On Thursday, Senate Democrats introduced legislation that would prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from making arrests at places of worship, educational institutions, and medical facilities.
With Republicans controlling both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, the proposal seems to have a long road ahead of it.
Federal policy has prohibited ICE arrests at sensitive locations without authorization since 2011. The Biden administration released its own guidelines in 2021 to further broaden the scope of those sensitive areas.
However, President Donald Trump has issued a number of executive orders, including one that repealed laws prohibiting ICE officers from making arrests in sensitive areas, many of which are related to his promise to begin a massive immigration crackdown.
In a statement declaring his support for the new legislation, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, said that the Trump administration’s attempts to overturn these policies not only violate long-standing precedent but also endanger public safety.
Supported by 22 Democrats or Independents but not any Republicans, the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act would make protections against immigration arrests at sensitive locations a part of federal law. Additionally, it would guarantee that immigrants can obtain necessary services that are normally provided at sensitive locations without worrying about being deported.
It is harsh, inhumane, and unfair to arrest someone while they are in the safety of their church, school, or hospital. Our community is at risk of illness if people are too afraid to seek medical attention when they are ill, according to Wyden. Our community is less safe if people are too afraid to go to a rape crisis center or report crimes to the police. These raids won’t fix our flawed immigration system; they are just meant to create fear.
The legislation would also protect DMV and social security offices, medical facilities, preschools, courthouses, homeless shelters, polling stations, and labor union halls.
In January, Portland’s Augustana Lutheran Church declared that it would keep providing sanctuary to immigrants who are afraid of being deported in spite of Trump administration policy changes.
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Investigative journalist Yesenia Amaro focuses on communities of color and social issues. Do you have any information about immigration, deportations, or government-funded initiatives aimed at assisting Oregon’s immigrant population? Contact them at [email protected] or 503-221-4395.
