The Department of Homeland Security's 2011 Sensitive Locations Memo prevents the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from interrogating or arresting immigrants at special locations. ICE should NOT arrest, search, or interview you at these locations:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Places of worship
- Public gatherings
Be aware that, in recent years, ICE has been known to arrest people inside courthouses. The agency formalized the policy in 2018. However, California is one of several states that passed laws invalidating it, in part through CHIRLA’s advocacy. In 2019, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law to prohibit immigration arrests at courthouses without a warrant issued by a judge.