DHS Allows ICE Operations in or near Former “Protected Areas”

ICE Operations Now Allowed in “Protected Areas”

The Department of Homeland Security has rescinded Biden era guidelines which called for ICE officers to not carry out operations in or near “protected areas.” The DHS is now allowing ICE operations to be carried out in these areas.

ICE operations can now be carried out in: schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship, playgrounds, recreation areas, childcare facilities, social services facilities, emergency services, and demonstrations.

This has major implications for noncitizens and their families. It may prevent them from accessing essential services–-in some cases, life-saving services. Noncitizens may not feel safe sending their child to school or daycare, going to the doctor or hospital, or accessing crisis centers like domestic violence shelters. In the wake of natural disasters in California and North Carolina, noncitizens may feel discouraged from accessing disaster relief if they might encounter ICE enforcement operations. ICE impeding noncitizen access to essential and lifesaving services with threat of enforcement operations infringes upon the fundamental and internationally recognized human rights of noncitizens.

While the Lemkin Institute continues to report on important immigration policy changes, we cannot offer individualized legal advice.

If you think you may be affected by policy changes, please contact an immigration lawyer.