Migrant children detained California used as bait to arrest and deport parents

4 hours ago

Migrant children detained in Southern California are being used as 'bait' to arrest and deport their undocumented parents.
A document from a federal case in Texas confirms 'Operation Guardian Trace,' which mandates ICE to interview and detain undocumented relatives of children in federal custody.
Immigration attorneys report a dramatic reversal in policy, where previously undocumented relatives could claim children regardless of their status.
Over 100 sponsors have been arrested since July 2025, with roughly one in four sponsors being detained during interviews or ID checks.
Children whose sponsors are detained remain in government custody, often leading to prolonged stays in shelters or foster care.
The policy has caused fear among families, with some children asking parents to halt reunification efforts to avoid detention.
Legal challenges argue that the policy violates the government's obligation to release children promptly and interferes with child welfare mandates.
Prolonged detention has severe psychological effects on children, leading to feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and depression.
Some children choose to return to their home countries to reunite with deported parents, which advocates believe is an intended outcome of the policy.
The Trump administration repealed regulations that previously protected sponsors from being disqualified based solely on immigration status.

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