WA pastor vows to protect migrants amid ICE arrests in churches, schools

The Trump administration announced a significant policy shift Tuesday, allowing federal immigration authorities to arrest individuals at locations previously deemed sensitive, including churches and schools.

The decision marks a departure from long-standing policies established under previous administrations. 

In a statement, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman said the administration will trust law enforcement to use "common sense" while enforcing immigration laws. "Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest," Huffman said.

Under the Obama administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) set a 2011 policy to avoid arrests in sensitive areas such as schools, churches, and hospitals. Similar guidance was reinforced during the Biden administration.

The new directive also phases out parole programs, allowing certain migrants temporary residency and work privileges in the U.S. 

Local response to the Trump administration directive

Local perspective:

Faith leaders and advocates are raising alarms over the potential impact on immigrant communities. Pastor Jan Bolerjack of Riverton Park United Methodist Church in Tukwila shared her concerns: "They’re not criminals, they’re not bad people. They’re people just like the rest of us. And so it’s very disappointing to be a part of a nation that is doing this right."

While ICE agents have yet to approach her church, Pastor Bolerjack has proactively distributed "know your rights" cards to the migrant community. These cards outline constitutional rights, informing individuals they are not obligated to answer questions or sign documents during interactions with agents. "We’re just rolling with the punches right now," Bolerjack said.

The pastor, who has provided refuge for hundreds of migrants from Congo, Angola, and Venezuela over the years, expressed deep concern over the chilling effect this policy may have. "It added an element of fear. I want people to have safe places they can go to," she said. "Especially if they’re ill, they should be able to go to the hospital. Should be able to go to school."

Big picture view:

Border czar Tom Homan said these would be targeted enforcement operations.

"They’re going to know exactly who they’re looking for, pretty much where they’ll find them," said Homan.

A key difference under the new policy is that ICE can now arrest not only targeted individuals but also undocumented immigrants accompanying them. The administration is also broadening its use of "expedited removal," a process that permits immigration authorities to deport individuals without a hearing before an immigration judge.

Will churches allow migrants to be arrested?

Bolerjack wants to ensure churches remain sanctuaries.

"They do feel safe here, and I hope we continue to make that point," said Bolerjack.

She believes in the separation of church and state and would ask ICE agents to produce proper warrants before stepping onto church property. "My biggest fear is that someone’s going to get picked up and deported, and we’re not really even going to know what’s happening," Bolerjack said.

To prepare for potential deportations, Bolerjack’s church is helping families create power of attorney documents to ensure children are cared for if their parents are detained. "That’s scary, suddenly we’re going to have kids without parents. That’s terrible," said Bolerjack.

The Trump administration’s broader immigration strategy faces significant financial and logistical challenges. Despite pledges to deport "millions" of undocumented immigrants, ICE is already facing a $230 million budget shortfall. Trump, has said "there is no price tag" on his deportation plan.

What they're saying:

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown criticized the policy, in a statement telling FOX 13 Seattle, "Our office is taking a strong look at all of the president’s actions and their potential impacts in Washington. There’s a good reason schools and churches are considered sensitive locations. This action could scare families and young people away from accessing any number of community resources offered at these kinds of facilities, whether spiritual, educational, nutritional, or even medical needs."

UW Medicine released a statement saying they are reviewing the policy to understand its implications. "UW Medicine is committed to being in compliance with all federal and state laws. We remain committed to supporting our community," their statement said.

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Brent Jones addressed the issue at Wednesday's school board meeting, saying:

"School districts educate school-age residents regardless of the immigration status of the students or their families. To that end, state law directs districts to limit immigration enforcement to the fullest extent possible consistent with federal and state law, and we are currently reviewing our relevant policies and procedures to ensure they continue to provide clear information for students, their families, and Seattle Public Schools staff."

Bolerjack urged those who don't like what they're seeing to take action.

"Make sure they step up, to make sure they’re ready to respond, to make sure they’re ready to be a front line to protect the folks," Bolerjack said.

FOX 13 Seattle also reached out to the Tacoma School District but we've yet to hear back.

The Source: Information comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as original reporting from FOX 13 Seattle reporter Alejandra Guzman.

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