Courthouses, Schools and Hospitals
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General information, not legal advice. These guides are written by the community, laws vary by state, and policies change. For advice about your own situation, talk to an immigration lawyer (how to find a real one, free if needed).
The old "protected areas" policy is gone. In January 2025 the federal government rescinded the policy that discouraged ICE arrests at or near schools, hospitals, churches and similar places. Assume ICE can and does operate at these locations, and plan accordingly. Your underlying rights have not changed.
Courthouses
- ICE has arrested people arriving for, and leaving, their own hearings, including witnesses and family members. Some states limit civil immigration arrests inside their courthouses. Rules vary: check with a local legal aid group before a court date.
- Your rights are the same as anywhere: ask "Am I free to leave?", remain silent, sign nothing, ask for a lawyer.
- Practical steps: arrive with a companion or a court accompaniment program, tell your lawyer and family your schedule, ask your lawyer whether remote appearance is possible, and know the building's exits.
Schools
- Schools generally require a judicial warrant or court order before releasing a student or student records, and student privacy law (FERPA) limits what they share.
- Parents: keep your school's emergency contact and pickup list current, and add trusted backup adults. Complete a caregiver authorization so a named adult can act if you are detained. See Family Preparedness Plan.
- Ask your district what its policy is when agents appear, and push for one if it has none.
Hospitals
- Emergency rooms must screen and stabilize anyone, whatever their status. Do not skip emergency care out of fear.
- Hospital staff are generally not required to volunteer information about patients without a warrant or court order, and many hospitals have policies directing agents to their legal department.
- Bring a trusted contact when you can, and keep your red card with you.
Churches and community spaces
- No longer covered by any federal restraint policy. Congregations and community centers organize accompaniment, know-your-rights trainings and rapid response instead: see Emergency Hotlines and Rapid Response.