The Trump administration has ordered ICE agents to prioritize tracking unaccompanied migrant children through a new four-phase initiative revealed in internal documents obtained by ABC News. Dubbed the Unaccompanied Alien Children Joint Initiative, the program aims to address concerns about human trafficking while sparking debates about immigration enforcement tactics.
Government data shows over 600,000 children entered the U.S. without legal guardians since 2019. ICE now categorizes these minors into three groups:
- Flight risks (missed court hearings)
- Public safety concerns
- Border security priorities
Agents will focus first on children with active deportation orders.
This approach risks retraumatizing youth fleeing violence,warns Wendy Young of Kids in Need of Defense. Effective protection requires legal partnerships, not just enforcement.
The initiative follows Republican criticism of 291,000 unserved court notices under Biden-era policies. A DHS watchdog report reveals 32,000 children disappeared after immigration hearings between 2018-2023, though experts note many eventually reconnect with sponsors.
Proponents argue the plan prevents exploitation, while advocates emphasize 40% of unaccompanied minors ultimately qualify for asylum. With deportation proceedings accelerating, legal service providers demand clearer pathways for children to present their cases.