The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, or H.R.1061, is a proposed law that aims to prevent immigration enforcement activities like arrests and searches in places considered sensitive, such as schools and hospitals, without a judicial warrant. This bill seeks to restore protections that were previously in place to ensure that everyone can access essential services without fear.
What This Bill Does
The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act is designed to amend existing immigration laws to prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other immigration officers from conducting enforcement activities at certain sensitive locations. These locations include schools, medical facilities, places of worship, courthouses, and other essential service providers. The bill requires that any enforcement action in these areas must be backed by a judicial warrant.
This bill essentially seeks to codify into law a policy that was in place from 2011 and strengthened in 2021, which was later rescinded in 2025. The previous policy aimed to protect vulnerable communities by ensuring that they could access important services without the fear of immigration enforcement. By reinstating these protections, the bill hopes to create a safer and more trusting environment for everyone, particularly in immigrant communities.
Sensitive locations are explicitly defined in the bill and include a wide range of places where people might go for help or participate in civic life. This includes not only schools and hospitals but also polling places, labor union halls, and homeless shelters. The goal is to ensure that people can engage in everyday activities without the fear of being detained or questioned by immigration officers.
If passed, the bill would take effect immediately, meaning that these protections would be restored as soon as it becomes law. This would provide immediate relief to communities that have been living in fear of immigration enforcement in these sensitive areas.
Why It Matters
The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act is important because it directly impacts the lives of millions of people, particularly those in immigrant communities. By preventing immigration enforcement in sensitive areas, the bill aims to ensure that everyone can access essential services like healthcare and education without fear. This is crucial for public health and safety, as it encourages people to seek medical care and report crimes without worrying about immigration consequences.
The bill also benefits children and families by creating a safer environment in schools and other educational settings. When children and their families feel safe, they are more likely to attend school and participate in community activities, which is beneficial for their development and well-being. Additionally, the bill helps protect places of worship and other community spaces, ensuring that people can practice their faith and engage in civic life without fear of enforcement actions.
For everyday Americans, this bill is about maintaining trust in essential services and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their immigration status, can participate fully in society. By reducing fear and uncertainty, the bill aims to create a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
Key Facts
- Cost/budget impact: There are no specific cost estimates or budget impacts provided for this bill.
- Timeline for implementation: The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.
- Number of people affected: The bill primarily affects immigrant communities, including millions of undocumented or mixed-status families across the U.S.
- Key dates: The bill was introduced on February 6, 2025, and remains at the introduction stage as of January 2026.
- Real-world impact: The bill aims to prevent disruptions in shared spaces like schools and hospitals, ensuring that everyone can access essential services without fear.
- Historical context: The bill seeks to restore protections that were in place from 2011 to 2025, which were rescinded as part of broader immigration enforcement changes.
- Bipartisan interest: Despite low passage likelihood in a Republican-controlled Congress, the bill has a companion in the Senate, indicating some level of bipartisan interest.
Arguments in Support
- Prevents fear-driven avoidance of vital services: Supporters argue that the bill helps protect public health by ensuring that families are not afraid to seek medical care or report crimes.
- Safeguards children and education: By preventing ICE activities in schools, the bill aims to protect children from trauma and ensure that they can focus on their education.
- Protects places of worship: The bill ensures that people can practice their faith without fear of detention, which is important for spiritual safety and community well-being.
- Ensures access to justice and civic participation: By barring enforcement at courthouses and polling places, the bill helps prevent deterrence from voting or seeking legal aid.
- Promotes community trust and safety: The bill aims to restore a policy that worked for many years, countering the negative effects of its rescission.
Arguments in Opposition
- Potential hindrance to ICE operations: Critics may argue that the bill could limit ICE's ability to enforce immigration laws effectively, especially in cases involving criminals in sensitive areas.
- Enforcement flexibility concerns: Some believe that the bill could reduce the discretion of immigration officers, making it harder to adapt to specific situations.
- Impact on mass deportation goals: Opponents might see the bill as an obstacle to broader immigration enforcement strategies focused on mass deportations.