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 venues without authorization since 2011. The Biden administration released its own guidelines in 2021 to further broaden the scope of those sensitive regions.
However, President Donald Trump has signed a number of executive orders, including one that repealed laws prohibiting ICE officials from making arrests in sensitive locations, many of which are related to his promise to begin a big immigration crackdown.
In a statement declaring his support for the new legislation, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, stated 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 important Locations Act would make protections against immigration arrests at important locations a part of federal law. Additionally, it would guarantee that immigrants can obtain necessary services that are normally provided at sensitive sites without worrying about being deported.
It is harsh, barbaric, and unfair to arrest someone when 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 offenses to the police. These raids won’t fix our flawed immigration system; they are only meant to create panic.
The law would also safeguard DMV and social security offices, medical facilities, preschools, courthouses, homeless shelters, voting stations, and labor union headquarters.
In January, Portland’s Augustana Lutheran Church declared that, in spite of Trump administration policy changes, it would continue to provide sanctuary to immigrants who fear deportation.
–Investigative journalist Yesenia Amaro focuses on communities of color and societal 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.
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