Bill would ban immigration arrests within 1,000 feet of schools and churches

What does this do?

Senate Bill 455 would prohibit immigration agents, including ICE and Border Patrol officers, from making arrests, conducting searches, performing interviews, or carrying out surveillance within 1,000 feet of designated sensitive locations. Protected sites include schools, hospitals, churches, shelters, polling places, courthouses, libraries, playgrounds, food banks, and disaster relief sites. Narrow exceptions exist for genuine emergencies such as an immediate threat to life, hot pursuit of a dangerous person, or a pre-approved operation targeting a terrorist or someone posing an extraordinary danger to public safety.

Who does it affect?

Undocumented immigrants would gain stronger protections from arrest in everyday public spaces near the listed locations. Immigration enforcement agencies, including ICE and Border Patrol, would face new operational restrictions, mandatory annual officer training, and reporting requirements to Congress and internal watchdog offices.

Why does it matter?

Evidence gathered during a violation of these rules could not be used in deportation proceedings, and affected individuals could ask a judge to immediately halt removal proceedings. Agents uncertain whether an emergency justifies an exception must stop and obtain real-time supervisor approval before proceeding, and must cease any enforcement action as soon as the emergency ends.

Where does it stand?