ICE Targets Unaccompanied Immigrant Children with $2,500 Payment for Deportation
In a move that has sparked outrage among immigration rights advocates, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have begun targeting unaccompanied immigrant children, offering them a $2,500 payment in exchange for agreeing to be deported.
According to a government memo obtained by The Intercept, the operation, which was dubbed "Freaky Friday" by immigration rights advocates but denied as such by ICE, is part of President Donald Trump's ongoing mass deportation campaign. The memo stated that immigrant children 14 years or older would receive $2,500 in exchange for agreeing to be deported.
"This is a shocking and disturbing development," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the National Immigrant Justice Center. "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."
ICE officials defended the operation, saying it was designed to expedite the deportation process for unaccompanied minors who have exhausted all other options.
"This is a common-sense solution that allows us to prioritize the most vulnerable populations," said an ICE spokesperson. "We are committed to enforcing our nation's immigration laws and ensuring public safety."
The operation has been met with widespread criticism from immigration rights advocates, who argue that it is a blatant attempt to exploit vulnerable children for political gain.
"This is a cynical ploy to buy off the rights of unaccompanied minors," said Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a longtime advocate for immigrant rights. "It's a shameful and misguided policy that undermines our nation's values and principles."
The operation comes as deportation continues at a record pace amid the federal government shutdown, which has left many immigration advocates and lawmakers scrambling to respond.
"This is a deliberate attempt by ICE and DHS to minimize public attention," said an advocate for immigrant rights. "It's a clear indication of their willingness to disregard the law and ignore the humanitarian implications of their actions."
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that it will provide a one-time resettlement support stipend of $2,500 to unaccompanied minors who agree to be deported.
As the operation continues, immigration advocates are urging lawmakers to take action to protect the rights of unaccompanied immigrant children and prevent further exploitation by ICE.
"We urge Congress to pass legislation that protects the rights of unaccompanied minors and ensures they receive fair and humane treatment," said Rodriguez. "This is a critical moment for our nation's values and principles, and we must act now to ensure justice and compassion prevail."
Background:
The U.S. government has been grappling with the issue of unaccompanied immigrant children for several years, with many arriving at the southern border seeking asylum from violence and persecution in their home countries.
In 2014, a surge of unaccompanied minors arrived at the border, prompting concerns about the need for more effective policies to address the crisis. Since then, ICE has implemented various measures to expedite the deportation process for unaccompanied minors who have exhausted all other options.
Additional Perspectives:
"This is a desperate attempt by ICE to justify their existence," said an immigration advocate. "It's a clear indication of their failure to enforce our nation's immigration laws in a humane and effective manner."
"We need to focus on providing support and resources for unaccompanied minors, not exploiting them for political gain," said Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), a longtime advocate for immigrant rights.
Current Status:
The operation is ongoing, with ICE officials confirming that they will continue to target unaccompanied immigrant children in an effort to expedite the deportation process. Immigration advocates are urging lawmakers to take action to protect the rights of these vulnerable individuals and prevent further exploitation by ICE.
*Reporting by Theintercept.*
