SOUTHERN BORDER — Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced a new standardized policy – effective immediately – that prevents Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials from engaging in law enforcement activities in or near  “protected locations” (formerly known as “sensitive locations”). The policy also expands the definition of protected locations to include places that had not been included before, such as school bus stops, social services establishments (such as domestic violence shelters), and disaster and emergency services locations, among others.

We are encouraged to see this new strengthened and expanded policy emitted by DHS that will apply to both CBP and ICE consistently. Any one who experiences a violation of this policy, should file a complaint directly with DHS.

Vicki B. Gaubeca, director of the Southern Border Communities Coalition, said: 

“Borderland families, who  are often composed of individuals with mixed immigration and citizenship statuses, should never fear accessing health care services, COVID-19 testing or vaccines, taking their children to schools, school bus stops, or day care centers, or getting much-needed disaster release services (like food pantries or refuge at emergency disaster shelters). Impeding access to these facilities is detrimental to public safety for all. We look forward to seeing this policy implemented and enforced.”

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN BORDER COMMUNITIES COALITION

The Southern Border Communities Coalition (SBCC) brings together organizations from San Diego, California to Brownsville, Texas, to ensure that border enforcement policies and practices are accountable and fair, respect human dignity and human rights, and prevent the loss of life in the region.

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