A new investigation by KFF Health News has revealed claims that the administration of Donald Trump used migrant children in government custody as a way to identify and detain their parents or relatives.
According to the report, children held under the Office of Refugee Resettlement were allegedly used to draw in family members attempting to reunite with them. In several cases, these relatives were arrested by immigration authorities upon arrival, regardless of whether they had a criminal record.
One case highlighted a father who visited an immigration office in New Mexico expecting to begin the process of reuniting with his children. Instead, he was detained and transferred to a facility in Texas. His teenage children have now spent over a year in a federal shelter without reunification.
Investigators found that agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement worked alongside resettlement officials to identify and detain undocumented caregivers. Lawyers say many parents are being arrested during attempts to reconnect with their children.
The situation has raised serious concerns because the system was originally designed to protect vulnerable migrant children. For more than two decades, U.S. lawmakers intended for children’s welfare to be the main priority, rather than immigration enforcement.
However, critics argue that this focus has shifted in recent years. As a result, many children remain in shelters or foster care for extended periods, while their relatives face detention or deportation.
Reports also highlight the emotional impact on the children. Some have described feelings of isolation, anxiety, and hopelessness, while others say they are missing out on education and normal family life. Experts warn that prolonged stays in under-resourced shelters can lead to lasting psychological harm.
In one instance, the detained father was eventually released after a judge ruled his detention unlawful. Despite this, he must now restart the lengthy process of reuniting with his children.
Human rights advocates say the practice forces migrant families into an impossible situation—choosing between risking detention or remaining separated from their loved ones.