ICE Offers $2,500 to Unaccompanied Immigrant Children Who Agree to Deportation

ICE Targets Unaccompanied Immigrant Children with Deportation Payment Offer In a move sparking outrage among immigration advocates, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have begun targeting unaccompanied immigrant children, offering them $2,500 in exchange for agreeing to be deported. According to a government memo obtained by The Intercept, the operation, allegedly dubbed "Freaky Friday" by ICE officials, aims to pressure 14-year-old and older minors into waiving their rights to return to their countries of origin. Immigration rights advocates claim that this scheme is part of President Donald Trump's ongoing mass deportation campaign. ICE officials have denied the existence of a specific operation called "Freaky Friday," but confirmed that they are targeting unaccompanied immigrant children as part of their efforts to enforce immigration laws. The memo states that these minors would receive a one-time resettlement support stipend of $2,500 if they agree to be deported. "This is a shocking and disturbing development," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the Chicago-based advocacy group, Immigrant Families Together. "The idea that masked men would go to 14-year-olds and ask them to waive their rights to return to the countries they fled is unconscionable." Rodriguez added that this operation appears to be a deliberate attempt by ICE to minimize public attention during the ongoing federal government shutdown. "This is a cynical move by ICE to exploit vulnerable children for its own purposes," she said. "We urge the administration to reconsider this policy and prioritize the safety and well-being of these minors." Immigration advocates argue that this operation undermines the rights of unaccompanied immigrant children, who are already vulnerable due to their age and circumstances. "These children have fled violence, persecution, or poverty in their home countries," said Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies. "They should be protected and supported, not coerced into accepting deportation." ICE officials claim that this operation is necessary to enforce immigration laws and maintain public safety. "We are committed to upholding our nation's immigration laws and protecting national security," an ICE spokesperson said in a statement. "We will continue to work with our partners to ensure the safe and humane treatment of all individuals in our custody." The impact of this policy on unaccompanied immigrant children remains unclear, but advocates warn that it could have long-term consequences for these vulnerable minors. "This operation is a betrayal of the trust placed in ICE by Congress and the American people," said Rodriguez. "We urge lawmakers to take immediate action to stop this policy and protect the rights of all immigrants." As the federal government shutdown continues, immigration advocates are calling on lawmakers to prioritize the safety and well-being of unaccompanied immigrant children. Background: The Trump administration has been criticized for its handling of unaccompanied immigrant children, who are often detained in overcrowded facilities with inadequate resources. In 2018, a report by the Office of Inspector General found that ICE had failed to provide adequate care and services to these minors. Additional Perspectives: "This policy is a clear example of the administration's disregard for human rights and dignity," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). "We must take immediate action to stop this operation and protect the rights of all immigrants." "ICE has a responsibility to uphold our nation's immigration laws, but it also has a duty to treat all individuals with respect and dignity," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Current Status: The ICE operation targeting unaccompanied immigrant children continues, despite criticism from advocates and lawmakers. Immigration rights groups are calling on the administration to reconsider this policy and prioritize the safety and well-being of these minors. Next Developments: Lawmakers are expected to introduce legislation aimed at stopping this policy and protecting the rights of all immigrants. Advocates are also planning protests and rallies to raise awareness about the issue and push for change. *Reporting by Theintercept.*