The Trump administration has launched a major initiative to trace over 450,000 unaccompanied migrant children who entered the United States during Joe Biden’s presidency, saying the goal is to protect their well-being. However, rights advocates warn this move could instead lead to widespread surveillance and deportation of undocumented caregivers, placing vulnerable families at risk.
Federal agents from Homeland Security and the FBI are now going door-to-door, checking on children and verifying the identity of adult sponsors. Officials claim they are responding to reports of misconduct and potential trafficking. But many families fear that these welfare checks are simply a front for immigration enforcement, with some involving armed officers.
Immigration groups argue that these efforts could have serious consequences. Mary Miller Flowers, a policy director at the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, expressed concern, saying, “Now the government is checking on the wellness of children and deporting their undocumented parents. I don’t know what about that is good for children.”
Here’s how Trump’s migrant child tracking program works:
- Door-to-door visits: Federal agents are sent to verify the living conditions and authenticity of child sponsors.
- Armed law enforcement: Agencies like the FBI are involved in these checks, raising concerns over the use of force.
- “Super sponsor” investigation: Officials are reviewing cases where individuals have taken custody of numerous children to detect signs of trafficking or fraud.
- Child removals: Around 100 children have been taken from their sponsors and placed in federal shelters.
- Document audits: Authorities are rechecking identities and past sponsorships to uncover forged documents and misrepresentation.
- Case complaints: Since 2023, 65,000 complaints have been filed, and 450 cases have led to law enforcement involvement.
One case in Cleveland revealed the potential danger of fraudulent sponsorship. A man pretending to be a girl’s brother used a fake birth certificate to gain custody. He was later found guilty of sexually assaulting her and faces prison and further charges, including identity theft.
While officials argue the program is necessary to protect children, it has triggered fear among migrant families. The Department of Justice is reviewing irregular custody cases, focusing on individuals caring for large numbers of children. The FBI stated: “Protecting children is a critical mission,” while the Department of Health and Human Services added: “Protecting children isn’t optional.”
Despite reforms introduced under Biden to improve sponsor vetting, Trump-era officials say the system is still open to abuse. Now, many families—even those who followed legal steps—worry they could be targeted simply for caring for a child.
What are migrant advocates most concerned about?
Advocates fear that the welfare checks may not truly be about protecting children but could instead serve as a cover for deportation operations against undocumented sponsors.
They are worried that the program will intimidate families and result in the deportation of caregivers who stepped forward to help these children, despite lacking legal status.
The debate continues over how to best protect migrant children, but for many, the return of aggressive immigration tactics under Trump stirs deep anxiety across communities already burdened by trauma and uncertainty.