Homeland Security adds to list of “protected areas” from immigration enforcement acts

Announcement comes from secretary of department

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KYMA, KECY) - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announces there are now more so-called "Protected areas" from immigration enforcement actions.

Department Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas issued a memo Wednesday increasing the list of these locations, which now includes domestic violence shelters and playgrounds.

He clarifies there are exceptions to these protected areas. They include if the person being sought poses a public safety or national security threat.

This move is another example of the Biden administration's effort to reexamine how it handles immigration issues.

The administration recently put a stop to mass worksite arrests by focusing on the employers who hire undocumented workers.