President Trump authorizes ICE to target schools and churches

WASHINGTON– Federal immigration authorities will be allowed to target schools and churches after President Donald Trump revoked a directive banning arrests in “hotspot” areas.

The Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that it would reverse this policy aimed at “thwarting law enforcement in or near so-called sensitive areas.”

RELATED: What you need to know about Trump’s actions on immigration and border control

First passed in 2011, the directive prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as well as Customs and Border Patrol agents from arresting suspected undocumented immigrants in various locations.

Schools and places of worship were banned, as were hospitals, funerals, weddings and public demonstrations.

In a statement touting the move Tuesday, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said law enforcement would use “common sense” in making arrests.

RELATED: Justice Department directs prosecutors to investigate local efforts to obstruct immigration enforcement

“This action empowers the brave men and women of CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and arrest criminal aliens – including murderers and rapists – who have entered our country illegally “said the spokesperson.

“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in American schools and churches to avoid arrest,” the statement continued. “The Trump administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, but will trust them to use common sense.”