ICE Targets Unaccompanied Immigrant Children: Nationwide Crackdown | JQJO

ICE is conducting nationwide operations targeting unaccompanied immigrant children, ostensibly for welfare checks but also to pursue deportation or criminal charges against the children or their sponsors. This has raised concerns about a crackdown and 'backdoor family separation'. An ICE document reveals that investigations include assessing 'flight risk' and 'threat to public safety', even targeting children with alleged gang ties. Critics argue these actions, facilitated by data sharing between agencies, prioritize enforcement over child welfare, causing significant fear and trauma for children and families. Legal aid for unaccompanied minors has been reduced, further exacerbating the situation.