Federal Limits

Limit 03 of nine · Sensitive locations

Off-limits: schools, hospitals, courthouses

+22% student absences after raids — the protection erased by a single memo.

The problem

From 2011, the only thing keeping enforcement out of schools, hospitals, and courthouses was a federal self-restraint — rescinded in one memo on Jan 20, 2025. A peer-reviewed study found a 22% jump in student absences across districts serving 500,000+ children after raids; hospital and school incursions are now documented across at least six metro areas. Court protections are partial and reversible — only a state property law is durable.

What the law does

Bars state and local facilitation of enforcement at protected places and requires a judge’s warrant before entry to their non-public areas.

Where it stands

Where it stands — all 52 jurisdictions15 of 52 have this limit; 8 at full strength
full partial none red underline = state law mandates cooperation

Methodology v3.4 · scored Jun 10 2026

The model language

“No federal civil immigration enforcement officer shall enter the non-public areas of a sensitive location absent a judicial warrant signed by a federal or state judge or magistrate, genuine exigent circumstances posing an immediate threat to life or safety, or the express written consent of the official responsible for the location.”

— Section 3 · Sensitive Location Protections, The Federal Limits Act
Read the full model bill →

What we propose

Protect six location types (courthouses, K-12 schools, hospitals and clinics, childcare, places of worship, workplaces); require a judge’s warrant, true exigency, or written consent before entry to non-public areas; add notice, documentation, and a private right to sue. Model: California SB 54 (§7284.4) + AB 49/AB 495; New York’s Protect Our Courts Act.

Who’s already done it

14 states + D.C.; 8 at full strength — CA, CO, CT, IL, MD, NJ, NY, OR. California builds the fullest list; New York’s Protect Our Courts Act anchors the courthouse piece (upheld; U.S. v. New York dismissed Nov 17 2025).

On the record

Status: mixed — the federal rescission is in force and court shields are partial; the state property lever is the only restraint not dependent on federal forbearance.

One of nine.
Not the whole fight.

See where your state stands on all nine limits, or read the model bill section that closes this one.

Check your state → ← Back to the Nine