U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has initiated a controversial operation targeting unaccompanied immigrant children, offering cash payments in exchange for their agreement to be deported. This move, outlined in a memo shared with immigrant aid groups, has raised alarm among advocates who argue that it represents a disturbing shift in the treatment of vulnerable minors.
The operation, informally dubbed “Freaky Friday” by some immigration rights advocates, is part of a broader strategy under the Trump administration aimed at mass deportations. The timing of this initiative, coinciding with a federal government shutdown, has led to speculation that it was designed to evade public scrutiny. Advocates have expressed outrage, highlighting the ethical implications of pressuring children—some as young as 14—to waive their rights in exchange for financial incentives.
The memo specifies that children aged 14 and older could receive a one-time stipend of $2,500 if they voluntarily agree to leave the United States. This financial offer is contingent upon the child meeting with an ICE officer and signing a waiver to forgo a removal hearing. Critics argue that this practice not only undermines the legal protections afforded to minors but also exploits their precarious situations. Bilal Askaryar, director of communications at the Acacia Center for Justice, emphasized the cruelty of such tactics, stating, “The idea that immigration enforcement agents can coerce children into waiving their rights to meet political goals is shocking.”
The implications of this operation are profound. Many unaccompanied minors in the U.S. come from countries plagued by violence and instability, such as Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. According to recent government data, over 93,000 unaccompanied children were referred to U.S. authorities between 2023 and 2024, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the southern border. The decision to target these children, particularly those who have already been released from federal custody, raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of the U.S. government towards these vulnerable populations.
Advocates have reported that ICE agents plan to track down unaccompanied minors living in shelters, with relatives, or in host families. Alarmingly, there are indications that the agency may extend its reach to children as young as 10. For those who refuse the offer, reports suggest that ICE may resort to intimidation tactics, threatening detention for both the children and their relatives in the U.S. This chilling prospect has prompted legal advocates to urge immigrants, especially minors, to refrain from signing any documents without first consulting legal counsel.
The Trump administration’s approach to immigration has been characterized by a willingness to detain unaccompanied children aggressively. For instance, during Labor Day weekend, the government targeted 300 Guatemalan children for deportation, with agents conducting late-night raids on caregivers’ homes. A federal judge intervened, blocking the deportations just hours before the scheduled flights.
Legal representation for unaccompanied minors has also suffered due to budget cuts initiated by the Trump administration. In March, a federally funded program that provided legal assistance to over 26,000 children was eliminated, leaving many without the necessary support to navigate the complex immigration system. This lack of representation exacerbates the vulnerability of these children, making them more susceptible to coercive tactics employed by immigration enforcement.
As the situation unfolds, immigrant rights organizations and attorneys are mobilizing to counteract ICE’s latest operation. They are disseminating information about the potential risks involved and encouraging families to seek legal advice before making any decisions regarding their immigration status. The stark reality is that unaccompanied immigrant children face an uphill battle in a system that often prioritizes enforcement over compassion.
In conclusion, the targeting of unaccompanied immigrant children by ICE, coupled with the offer of cash payments for deportation, raises critical ethical and legal questions. As advocates continue to fight for the rights of these vulnerable individuals, the need for comprehensive immigration reform and the protection of minors’ rights remains more urgent than ever. The voices of those advocating for justice must be amplified to ensure that the rights of unaccompanied children are upheld and that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
