The Trump administration has announced a significant policy shift allowing immigration enforcement officers to arrest migrants in sensitive locations such as schools and churches, reversing previous restrictions.

This change raises concerns among families, particularly as approximately 733,000 school-aged children in the U.S. are undocumented, along with many more who have undocumented parents.

The Department of Homeland Security supports this action, stating it empowers Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce immigration laws against individuals who have entered the country illegally.

In Philadelphia, a sanctuary city, local law enforcement does not cooperate with ICE, reflecting the city's commitment to protecting its immigrant community.

Community members are advised to remain calm and not open their doors to ICE without a valid search warrant, highlighting the importance of knowing one's rights.

Local churches, such as St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church, have pledged to provide safety for migrants and will not allow ICE on their property without a warrant.

The Philadelphia School District plans to share its protocols regarding potential ICE raids, aiming to ensure the safety of students amidst federal changes.

Legal challenges to the new executive order are anticipated, with the American Civil Liberties Union indicating plans to file a lawsuit claiming the policy is unconstitutional.

During a service at the National Cathedral, clergy members urged President Trump to show compassion towards immigrants, emphasizing their contributions and the fears they face.

Local advocacy groups, such as the New Sanctuary Movement, remain dedicated to protecting immigrant communities regardless of the administration's policies.

Concerns about increased ICE operations in public spaces, workplaces, and homes have been raised, as these actions could heighten the risk of arrests for undocumented individuals.

Many immigrant families, like Carmen's, who fled violence in Mexico, fear for their safety and the future of their asylum requests amidst the changing immigration landscape.