Sponsors (32)
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Prohibits most immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of designated “sensitive locations” (for example, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and certain shelters), except when there is an urgent emergency. When enforcement does occur near these sites, the law requires privacy-minded conduct, specialized training, prompt reporting, and limits on intrusive tactics. Agencies must issue rules implementing these protections and the law takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Applies the new rules to enforcement actions by Department of Homeland Security officers and agents, including ICE and CBP, and to individuals designated to perform immigration enforcement under a written agreement.
Prohibits an enforcement action from taking place, being focused on, or occurring within 1,000 feet of a sensitive location, except under exigent circumstances.
If enforcement is allowed under exigent circumstances but those circumstances end, the enforcement must stop until exigent circumstances reemerge.
If an enforcement officer is uncertain whether exigent circumstances exist, the officer must immediately stop the action, consult a supervisor in real time, and may not continue until a supervisor affirmatively confirms exigent circumstances.
When proceeding with an enforcement action at or near a sensitive location, officers must make every effort to (i) be as discreet as possible consistent with safety, (ii) limit time spent at the location, and (iii) limit the action to the person(s) for whom prior approval was obtained.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Protecting Sensitive Locations Act
Who is affected and how:
Noncitizens / Aliens: Directly benefit from reduced likelihood of immigration enforcement actions at critical places like schools, hospitals, places of worship, and shelters. This may increase safe access to services and reduce fear of seeking care or education.
Federal law enforcement personnel (including immigration officers): Must change operational practices, complete new training, follow privacy-focused procedures, and submit timely reports when they act near protected sites. Agencies will need to revise policies and implement rulemaking.
Children, patients, and other sensitive-site users: Likely to experience fewer disruptive enforcement encounters at locations meant for safety, care, education, or worship, improving access and reducing trauma or interruption of services.
Service providers and site operators (schools, hospitals, religious institutions, shelters): See reduced risk of enforcement on premises, but may need to understand and coordinate with agencies about the new rules. They may also need to respond to reporting or inquiries.
Courts and legal system: May see legal challenges or requests for clarification about what constitutes exigent circumstances or the covered radius around sensitive locations.
Overall effects and tradeoffs:
Introduced February 6, 2025 by Richard Blumenthal · Last progress February 6, 2025
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
