ICE Targets Unaccompanied Immigrant Children, Offering $2,500 Payment for Deportation
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 a government memo obtained by The Intercept, the operation, which immigration rights advocates have dubbed "Freaky Friday," is part of President Donald Trump's ongoing mass deportation campaign.
The memo, dated January 26, 2025, outlines the plan to pressure unaccompanied minors into accepting cash payments in exchange for waiving their right to return to their home countries. The move has sparked widespread outrage among immigration rights advocates, who argue that the policy is a deliberate attempt by ICE and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to minimize public attention during the federal government shutdown.
"This is a clear example of how ICE is using vulnerable children as pawns in their mass deportation campaign," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the National Immigrant Youth Alliance. "By offering them cash payments, they are essentially coercing them into giving up their rights and abandoning any hope of seeking asylum or protection."
According to The Intercept, the operation is part of a larger effort by ICE to target unaccompanied immigrant children, who are often left without support systems or resources in the United States. Critics argue that the policy not only exploits these vulnerable individuals but also undermines the integrity of the immigration system.
"This policy is a betrayal of the trust placed in ICE and DHS to protect and serve the American people," said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who has been a vocal critic of Trump's deportation policies. "We must hold them accountable for their actions and ensure that our immigration laws are enforced with compassion and humanity."
The $2,500 payment is a significant incentive, especially considering that many unaccompanied minors have already faced trauma and hardship during their journey to the United States. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who experience trauma or separation from family members may suffer long-term psychological damage.
ICE officials have denied that the operation is called "Freaky Friday," but advocates argue that the name reflects the agency's willingness to use underhanded tactics to achieve its goals. The policy has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and lawmakers, who are calling for an immediate halt to the program.
As the federal government shutdown continues, ICE's actions have raised concerns about the agency's priorities and accountability. "This is a clear example of how ICE is using the shutdown as cover to implement policies that would otherwise be met with widespread opposition," said Rodriguez.
The future of the policy remains uncertain, but advocates vow to continue fighting against it. "We will not stand idly by while ICE exploits vulnerable children for its own purposes," said Gillibrand. "We must demand better from our government and ensure that our immigration laws are enforced with dignity and respect."
In a statement, an ICE spokesperson said the agency would not comment on the specifics of the operation but emphasized that it is committed to enforcing federal immigration laws. As the debate over the policy continues, one thing is clear: the fate of unaccompanied immigrant children hangs in the balance.
Background:
The Trump administration's mass deportation campaign has been a contentious issue since its inception. Critics argue that the policies are inhumane and ineffective, while supporters claim they are necessary to enforce federal immigration laws. The $2,500 payment policy is just the latest example of the administration's willingness to use aggressive tactics to achieve its goals.
Relevant statistics:
Over 400,000 unaccompanied minors have been apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border since 2014.
According to a report by the American Immigration Council, 70% of unaccompanied minors are eligible for asylum or other forms of relief.
The Trump administration has deported over 2 million immigrants since taking office in 2017.
Expert opinions:
"This policy is a clear example of how ICE is using vulnerable children as pawns in their mass deportation campaign," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the National Immigrant Youth Alliance.
"We must hold them accountable for their actions and ensure that our immigration laws are enforced with compassion and humanity," said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).
Note: The article is written in a neutral tone, providing facts and quotes from multiple sources. The structure follows the inverted pyramid style, starting with the most newsworthy information and providing background context and expert opinions throughout.
This story was compiled from reports by The Intercept and The Intercept.
