DHS Rescinds 'Sensitive Locations' Policy, Opening Schools to Immigration Enforcement

On January 20-21, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded the long-standing "sensitive locations" or "protected areas" policy that had discouraged immigration enforcement actions at schools, hospitals, and houses of worship. The new guidance eliminated the requirement that agents avoid such locations "to the fullest extent possible" and left enforcement to individual agents' discretion rather than fixed rules.

For decades, schools were treated as protected civic spaces given their role in children's daily lives. The change came through internal DHS memorandum rather than legislation or public rulemaking, consistent with the administration's preference for rapid executive action.

The shift has led to increased enforcement activity at or near schools and prompted legal challenges from school districts and educators' unions concerned about disruptions to attendance and trust between immigrant families and schools. Critics said removing a bright-line rule invited both overreach and inconsistent application; the administration described it as restoring lawful enforcement discretion.