The Trump administration has launched a major effort to locate and deport thousands of unaccompanied migrant children who entered the United States without their parents, according to an internal memo obtained by Reuters. The memo outlines a four-phase plan, starting with a planning phase that began on January 17. However, it does not mention when enforcement actions will officially begin. The plan will target children who have pending deportation orders or are required to appear in immigration court. Those who fail to comply will face immediate removal from the country. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will categorize children into three priority groups: flight risk, public safety concerns, and border security threats, based on information collected from multiple government records.
The memo also highlights concerns about human trafficking and exploitation, with a section titled “Unaccompanied Alien Children Joint Initiative Field Implementation.” This part of the initiative is meant to ensure children are not victims of abuse or illegal activities while in the U.S. The new deportation plan comes just days after the Trump administration reversed an order that would have cut legal services for unaccompanied migrant children. In a memo obtained by CNN, the U.S. Department of Interior confirmed that legal service providers may now resume their work, although no explanation was given for the policy change.
Advocacy organizations have welcomed the decision to restore legal aid. The Acacia Center for Justice, which assists nearly 26,000 children, expressed relief over the reversal. Executive Director Shaina Aber said her organization will continue working alongside the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure these legal services remain intact without future disruptions. She emphasized the importance of protecting the due process rights of vulnerable children seeking safety in the U.S.
While the Trump administration moves forward with its deportation plan, there are growing concerns about the impact on thousands of unaccompanied minors who entered the country in search of safety. The coming weeks will determine how aggressively the government enforces these deportations and whether legal challenges arise in response.