"ICE Offers $2,500 to Deport Unaccompanied Minors"

ICE Targets Unaccompanied Immigrant Children with $2,500 Deportation Payment In a shocking move, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun targeting unaccompanied immigrant children with a new policy offering $2,500 to those 14 years or older who agree to be deported, according to government documents obtained by The Intercept. The operation, which immigration rights advocates claim was dubbed "Freaky Friday" by ICE officials, is part of President Donald Trump's ongoing mass deportation campaign. On January 26, 2025, ICE agents raided a home in Chicago, sparking concerns that the agency is deliberately targeting vulnerable minors during the federal government shutdown. According to a government memo obtained by The Intercept, ICE is pressuring unaccompanied immigrant children to accept cash payments in exchange for agreeing to be deported. Critics argue that this policy pressures minors into waiving their right to return to their home countries in exchange for a financial incentive. "This is a clear attempt by ICE to exploit the vulnerability of these children," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the Immigrant Aid Network, a non-profit organization providing support services to immigrant families. "By offering them $2,500, they're essentially bribing them into giving up their right to seek asylum or return to their home countries." The policy has sparked outrage among immigration rights advocates, who claim that ICE is deliberately timing this move to minimize public attention during the government shutdown. "This is a cynical attempt by ICE to take advantage of the current situation," said Rodriguez. "They're trying to fly under the radar and avoid scrutiny from lawmakers and the media." The operation is part of President Trump's mass deportation campaign, which has been criticized for its impact on immigrant families and communities. According to data released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), over 100,000 individuals have been deported since the beginning of 2025. In a statement, an ICE spokesperson denied that the agency was using the name "Freaky Friday" and claimed that the policy was designed to provide a "voluntary" option for unaccompanied minors. However, critics argue that this is simply a euphemism for coercion. "This is not a voluntary program," said Rodriguez. "It's a coercive tactic designed to pressure children into giving up their rights. We will continue to fight against this policy and demand that ICE respect the dignity and autonomy of these vulnerable individuals." As the debate surrounding this policy continues, immigrant advocates are calling on lawmakers to take action and protect the rights of unaccompanied minors. "We urge Congress to pass legislation that prohibits ICE from using coercion or financial incentives to pressure children into deportation," said Rodriguez. The current status of this policy remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the impact on unaccompanied immigrant children will be far-reaching and devastating if left unchecked. Sources: The Intercept U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) documents obtained by The Intercept This story was compiled from reports by The Intercept and The Intercept.