WASHINGTON, D.C.— On Sunday, Reuters reported that a recent directive from the Trump administration instructs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to locate and deport unaccompanied immigrant children—an initiative that not only instills fear, but also endangers the well-being of vulnerable children seeking safety within our borders. The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, released the following statement regarding ICE efforts to deport unaccompanied immigrant children: 

“Every child, regardless of where they come from, deserves safety, dignity, and a fair opportunity to be heard. Children seeking refuge should be met with compassion and afforded the protections our laws provide.  

Immigrant children have endured significant hardships, spending weeks or months in government custody before being released to family members. They are mandated to appear in immigration court, yet many lack legal representation due to the administration's suspension of programs providing legal aid to unaccompanied children living in our communities. Without proper legal support, kids face insurmountable challenges in navigating complex immigration proceedings.  

The deployment of armed ICE agents to the homes of immigrant children and their sponsors does not enhance their safety; it exacerbates their trauma and undermines the values we hold dear in this country. We call upon Congress to intervene and enact legislation that safeguards unaccompanied immigrant children, ensuring they fully receive the protection and rights under due process.” 

See below for more background information.  

According to Reuters, the Trump administration is directing immigration agents to track down hundreds of thousands of migrant children who entered the United States without their parents, expanding the president's mass deportation effort, per an internal memo. 

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo outlines an unprecedented push to target migrant children who came to the United States as unaccompanied minors. It lays out four phases of implementation, beginning with a planning phase on January 27, though it did not provide a start date for enforcement operations. 

If the government is truly committed to protecting these children from trafficking and exploitation, it should:  

• Ensure Legal Representation: Guarantee that every unaccompanied child has access to an attorney to navigate the legal system effectively.  

• Appoint Independent Child Advocates: Assign advocates to support child trafficking survivors and other vulnerable children and youth.  

• Provide Work Authorization: Offer work permits to eligible children and their family members, enabling them to support themselves while awaiting case resolutions.  

• Guarantee Access to Medical Care: Ensure that all children receive necessary medical attention to address trauma and prevent future harm. 

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The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is a non-profit organization that protects and advances the rights and best interests of immigrant children and advocates for an immigration system that treats children as children first.