Since President Donald Trump was sworn into office, one item on his agenda has remained clear thus far— carrying out mass deportations.
Last Monday, the Trump Administration ended former President Biden’s policy, which prohibited ICE and CBP from entering sensitive locations: churches, schools, and hospitals.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security announced that ICE agents would now have the ability to enter these protected locations and conduct operations.
“This action empowers CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens — including murderers 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,” said the DHS spokesperson.
However, healthcare workers, providers, advocates, and volunteers can protect patients and other members of the community by following the steps provided by the National Immigration Law Center
- Exercise the right to remain silent and refrain from sharing any information
- Ask for a warrant, ensure it holds a valid judicial warrant and that is signed by a judge
- Provide educational materials and information to patients and staff
- Document/ Record any and all encounters with ICE
- Consult a lawyer
- Alert other staff and do not collect immigration status information
- Limit access to private areas
Should any healthcare worker seek further assistance they can consult the Interrupting Criminalization organization that prepares workers how to resist criminalization.
In addition, schools and law enforcement across California are reminded by Attorney General Rob Bonta that under California law they are prohibited from cooperating alongside CBP. Should any Immigration official request any documents of any kind or to entrance to school sites, the Superintendent should be notified immediately.
To protect the well-being of students and their families, schools can provide Know-Your-Rights cards or flyers for students. Schools can also inform their students to learn to exercise their rights and protections that are set in place by the law.
