The Trump administration is throwing out a Biden-era policy, which made places of worship and learning off-limits to ICE and CBP agents.
On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) could make arrests in ‘sensitive areas’ like schools and churches.
In a statement, a DHS spokesperson said:
“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens—including murders and rapists—who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense.”
Immigration attorneys in Washington say we’re going to have to wait and see how this new policy will play out.
“All of these executive orders are so new and action is taking place at the state level, but I think we have to wait and see how things are going to unfold,” said Tahmina Watson of Watson Immigration Law.
Watson told KIRO 7 it’s crucial for undocumented immigrants to know their rights in case they encounter ICE agents.
“You have the right to ask for a lawyer and it’s going to be very important to tell ICE that you want to speak to a lawyer,” she explained.
The uncertainty surrounding the new policy has brought a wave of fear amongst undocumented immigrants and advocates.
“It’s worrisome. We want to be able to keep the people safe,” said Pastor Jan Bolerjack.
Bolerjack has helped hundreds of migrants seeking asylum for years at the Riverton Park United Methodist Church in Tukwila.
She says ICE agents have come by the church during the previous Trump administration and has no problem complying with what needs to be done.
“There are no criminals here, so they don’t need to even come here. I can say that these folks all have their appropriate papers and they’re fine,” Bolerjack explained.
She wants to make sure asylum seekers understand their constitutional rights.
“They’re here legally until their trials. So there’s no reason for them to be sent back until the trial decides, the court decides what to do,” Bolerjack said.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) urges migrants to know your rights if ICE visits you at:
HOME
- You do not have to open the door. You do not have to open the door or let the officers into your home unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge.
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration officers or answer any questions.
- You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer.
WORK
- Do not panic and do not run away. If you are frightened and feel like you need to leave, you can calmly walk toward the exit.
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration authorities or answer any questions.
- You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer.
PUBLIC
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration officers or answer any questions.
- You may refuse a search. If you are stopped for questioning but are not arrested, you do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but an officer may “pat down” your clothes if he or she suspects you have a weapon.
- You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer.
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