The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is under renewed scrutiny after reports revealed it hired a private contractor accused of serious human rights violations to help locate undocumented migrant children in the United States.
According to documents, ICE contracted MVM Inc. to increase personnel on the ground for what officials describe as “safety and wellness checks” on unaccompanied minors. However, critics argue that the real objective may include deportation or legal action against the children.
The company has previously faced legal action linked to its role during the Trump-era family separation policy. In 2024, two Guatemalan families filed a lawsuit accusing MVM of involvement in “torture, enforced disappearance, and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.” The case centers on incidents in 2017, when children were separated from their parents at the border.
Although a judge dismissed some claims in 2025 on procedural grounds, key allegations—including torture and inhumane treatment—are still being considered in court. The lawsuit claims that MVM personnel played a direct role in transferring separated children to shelters.
MVM has denied wrongdoing, stating that it opposed the family separation policy and should not be held responsible for government decisions. The firm has also previously worked on contracts linked to intelligence and security operations abroad.
ICE, meanwhile, rejected accusations that it is targeting migrant children. A spokesperson said the agency’s actions are focused on child welfare, adding that parents are given options regarding whether children remain in the US or return with them.
Despite these assurances, advocacy groups say the move raises serious ethical concerns, especially given the vulnerability of unaccompanied minors navigating the immigration system.
The controversy comes amid broader criticism of detention conditions. Reports indicate that 32 people died in ICE custody last year, marking one of the deadliest periods for the agency in recent decades.