The Trump administration has launched an extensive operation to locate and deport hundreds of thousands of migrant children in the U.S., emphasizing the need to prevent exploitation and human trafficking.
An internal document from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), titled “Unaccompanied Alien Children Joint Initiative Field Implementation,” outlines a strategy aimed at addressing the growing number of unaccompanied minors in the country.
Since 2019, over 600,000 children have entered the U.S.-Mexico border without a legal guardian, according to government records.
The plan involves four phases, with minors being served notices to appear in immigration court or deported if they already have pending removal orders.
ICE has classified the children into three categories: “flight risk,” “public safety,” and “border security.”
However, officials have been instructed to prioritize “flight risk” cases, particularly those who missed court hearings and have existing deportation orders.
Moreover, ICE’s move aligns with recent claims from Republican officials, who argued that the Biden administration had lost track of 300,000 migrant children.
Although experts contend that this number lacks context, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog report revealed that ICE failed to serve court notices to over 291,000 unaccompanied minors.
The report also warned that more than 32,000 children had failed to attend their immigration court hearings over the past five years, leaving ICE unable to account for their whereabouts. Therefore, this operation seeks to ensure that minors receive proper legal proceedings while also safeguarding them from potential risks.
Wendy Young, President of Kids in Need of Defense, highlighted the importance of considering the vulnerability of these children while assessing their need for long-term protection.
“The unique needs of children require the administration to ensure a level of care that takes into account their vulnerability while it determines whether they need long-term protection in the United States,” Young said in a statement to ABC News.
Furthermore, Young stressed the necessity of government collaboration with legal service providers and private sector partners to ensure that these children understand the legal process.
“To be successful in its goals, the government must partner with legal service providers and the vast network of private sector pro bono partners who provide millions of dollars in free legal services to ensure children understand the process and can share their reasons for seeking safety in the United States.
Then the government can decide with confidence who needs protection and who can safely return to their country of origin,” she added.
The Trump administration’s approach highlights a broader effort to restore order and security in the U.S. immigration system.
While concerns over the handling of these cases persist, officials maintain that this cleanup operation is necessary to ensure that individuals, especially vulnerable minors, receive the protection they need.
As ICE continues to implement this initiative, debates around immigration policies and their impact on migrant children remain at the forefront of national discussions.
