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S. 455: Protecting Sensitive Locations Act

This bill, titled the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to enhance protections for individuals in sensitive locations during immigration enforcement actions. The bill specifically outlines the following key provisions:

Definition of Sensitive Locations

Sensitive locations are defined as any area within 1,000 feet of:

Medical or mental health care facilities, like hospitals and clinics.
Public or private schools, including universities and early childhood education programs.
Locations where children engage in recreational activities, such as playgrounds and child care facilities.
Religious institutions, places of worship, and community centers that provide support services.
Courthouses, polling places, and social services offices.

Restrictions on Immigration Enforcement Actions

The bill prohibits immigration enforcement actions within sensitive locations unless exigent circumstances exist. Exigent circumstances include situations involving imminent threats to life or safety, direct public safety risks, or emergencies involving national security.

Requirements for Enforcement Actions

If an enforcement action is deemed necessary in or near a sensitive location, the following rules apply:

Enforcement actions must be discreet and should aim to limit the time spent at the sensitive location.
If enforcement leads individuals to a sensitive location without prior focus on it, officers must cease action unless they have clear exigent circumstances.
If uncertain about exigent circumstances, officials must immediately consult their supervisors before proceeding.

Consequences for Violations

If an enforcement action occurs in violation of this bill:

No evidence collected during that action may be used in removal proceedings.
The affected individual may file for immediate termination of their removal proceeding.

Training and Reporting Requirements

Officials overseeing immigration enforcement must ensure their staff receive annual training regarding the provisions of this bill. The Secretary of Homeland Security must provide regular reports on enforcement actions taken within sensitive locations, detailing the circumstances and outcomes.

Effective Date and Rulemaking

The provisions of this bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment. The Secretary of Homeland Security is also required to create regulations to implement the bill within that same time frame.