Donald Trump's administration has announced a significant repeal of immigration policies that, for more than a decade, have protected certain sensitive areas, such as schools, hospitals, and churches, from enforcement. This change, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), allows immigration authorities to act with greater freedom, removing guidelines established in 2011 and 2013 by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and CBP (Customs and Border Protection), which aimed to ensure that undocumented immigrants had access to essential services without fear of reprisal. The administration justified the measure by stating that "criminals will no longer be able to hide" in such places, but also stressed trusting the common sense of agents when applying it, according to the Latin Times.

In addition, the new policy reinstates expedited removal throughout the U.S., allowing ICE to deport undocumented immigrants who cannot prove two years of continuous residence in the United States, without the need for a court hearing. This action is part of a broader strategy to crack down on immigration, in a country where it is estimated that about 11 million people live without documents. Border Czar Tom Homan announced that ICE agents would begin operations immediately, but the specific locations of those raids were not disclosed.

Scathing criticism was made by human rights advocates, who warned of the devastating impact of this policy on immigrant communities. The Center for Law and Social Policy pointed out that fear of arrest can dissuade people from seeking health care, attending schools or accessing disaster relief, even harming U.S. citizen children. For advocacy organizations, the measures could lead to the disruption of homes and expose children to traumatic scenes, such as the arrest of their parents.

During a prayer service, Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde appealed to the president to reconsider his strict policies and show more compassion for vulnerable groups. Trump, however, disdained the sermon, saying it was not emotional. In response to the imminent intensification of deportations, activists and experts have shared guidelines on social media, such as the importance of knowing basic rights, including not opening doors without the presentation of a valid judicial warrant by ICE.

The Trump administration's actions could have global consequences, according to a study by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The report suggests that the increase in deportations in the United States could lead to a new wave of migration to Europe, compounding the already considerable challenges faced by European Union countries on migration issues and border policies.

The U.S. government's change of stance signals a substantial tightening of its immigration policy, raising deep concerns among activists, immigrant communities and international allies, while promoting an intense debate about the limits of state power and the protection of human rights.