Multiple Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have gained access to a database containing information on unaccompanied children who crossed the U.S. border, a move aligning with previous Trump administration policies now revoked by the current administration. The Office of Refugee Resettlement’s acting director emphasized the necessity of upcoming changes to foster a culture of child safety and accountability. However, concerns have been raised by advocates that this access could lead to immigration enforcement actions against families harboring these children illegally.
ICE officers obtained access to the database under the interim leadership of the ORR, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services. This development followed the assignment of ICE official Mellissa Harper to a temporary position as ORR’s acting director. During the Trump administration, efforts were made to share biometric and immigration-status information of children, sponsors, and adults in their homes between ORR and DHS, an agreement that has since been revoked by the Biden administration.
In response to these changes, Harper urged employees to reevaluate their roles in the unaccompanied child process and prioritize enhanced accountability and safety measures. The database access has sparked concerns about potential misuse for enforcement purposes. The evolving situation underscores the complex interplay between immigration policies, child welfare, and enforcement practices, raising questions about the balance between safeguarding vulnerable children and immigration control efforts.
