In a significant move on Monday, President Donald Trump signed executive actions aimed at tightening immigration controls across the United States. These actions cut off access to an app that facilitated the entry of hundreds of thousands of individuals, suspended the refugee system, and encouraged cooperation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local and state governments. The directives issued on Tuesday by Benjamine Huffman, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, have stirred controversy due to their broad implications for immigration enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized a strict stance with this policy shift. For over a decade, ICE and Customs and Border Protection were restricted from making arrests at sensitive locations such as schools, churches, and hospitals. However, the Trump administration overturned these policies, enabling immigration authorities to arrest migrants in these previously protected areas. The Department of Homeland Security stated that "criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest."
"Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest." – US Department of Homeland Security
The administration's plan includes "mass deportations" as part of the president's commitment to enforce stricter immigration laws. Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, announced that immigration agents would spread across the country starting Tuesday to detain and deport undocumented individuals. He assured that every ICE officer would actively enforce the law without delay.
“They’re going to do it throughout the country. We have offices throughout the country, and every Ice officer is going to be out there and enforce the law starting tomorrow morning,” – Tom Homan
The directives introduce "expedited removal" nationwide, allowing ICE to swiftly deport any undocumented person unable to prove continuous residence in the U.S. for more than two years. This change, part of a broader effort by Trump's administration, aims at a comprehensive crackdown on illegal immigration.
Critics, including the Center for Law and Social Policy, warn of the harmful impacts these changes might incur. Concerns are particularly pronounced regarding arrests at sensitive locations, which may affect vulnerable populations. In a poignant appeal during an inaugural prayer service sermon, the Episcopal bishop of Washington urged President Trump to show compassion towards immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals.
“have mercy upon” immigrants and LGBTQ+ people. – Episcopal bishop of Washington