Immigration enforcement faces a dramatic shift as former President Donald Trump directs federal agents to track down hundreds of thousands of children who entered the United States alone.

According to Daily Mail, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have been instructed through an internal memo to locate and deport unaccompanied minors who arrived in the United States without their parents, marking a significant policy change under Trump's latest executive order.

More than 600,000 immigrant children have crossed the southern border without parents or legal guardians since 2019, creating an unprecedented challenge for immigration authorities.

The initiative, titled "Unaccompanied Alien Children Joint Initiative Field Implementation," outlines a multi-phase approach beginning January 27, with subsequent phases to follow at unspecified dates.

New directive targets vulnerable migrant population

The executive order signed by Trump upon his return to office eliminates previous protections that prevented ICE officers from arresting migrants at specific locations, including schools. This sweeping change affects thousands of undocumented children who enter the country seeking refuge from dangerous conditions in their home countries.

Border Patrol chief Mike Banks reports a dramatic decrease in illegal crossings since Trump's inauguration, with current numbers showing fewer than 300 daily crossings, representing a 90 percent reduction. Despite these declining numbers, Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with arrest rates and is pushing officials to increase enforcement activities.

The policy shift has already led to personnel changes within ICE leadership, as evidenced by the reassignment of acting director Caleb Vitello on Friday following concerns about insufficient arrest numbers. This reorganization signals Trump's determination to achieve his deportation targets.

Complex implementation strategy unfolds

Implementation of the new directive involves multiple phases, beginning with careful planning to ensure children are not victims of human trafficking or exploitation. ICE field offices have received detailed instructions about locating and serving immigration documents to targeted individuals.

The initiative prioritizes three categories of children: those deemed flight risks, those considered threats to public safety, and those affecting border security. Children classified as flight risks include those who have missed court hearings or live with sponsors who are not direct relatives.

Trump's border czar Tom Homan claims that approximately 300,000 undocumented children "went missing" during the Biden administration, suggesting these children face risks of trafficking and exploitation. Most of these children originate from Central America and Mexico.

Enhanced data access raises privacy concerns

The Trump administration has expanded its reach into the Office of Refugee Resettlement's (ORR) database containing information about children and their sponsors. This increased access could facilitate ICE officers in targeting sponsor households for both child and adult arrests.

Former ICE official and current ORR head Mellissa Harper has indicated the agency may implement DNA testing to verify familial relationships between unaccompanied children and their sponsors. This development adds another layer of scrutiny to the sponsor vetting process.

Sponsors and adult household members must now submit fingerprints for background checks, according to guidance issued last week. These enhanced vetting procedures represent a significant departure from previous policies.

Looking ahead at enforcement challenges

The comprehensive initiative presents significant logistical and humanitarian challenges for immigration authorities tasked with implementing these new directives. Children facing deportation will receive notices to appear in immigration court, where judges will determine their fate.

Those with existing deportation orders face immediate removal, while others must navigate complex immigration proceedings. The policy particularly affects children released to sponsors who are not immediate family members.

Immigration advocates express concern about the potential separation of children from established support systems and the trauma of forced relocation to countries they may barely remember.

Initiative impact reaches beyond borders

The dramatic policy shift initiated by Trump's administration represents a fundamental change in how the United States handles unaccompanied migrant children. ICE officers now face the complex task of locating and processing hundreds of thousands of minors while adhering to legal requirements and humanitarian considerations.

Immigration officials must balance aggressive enforcement targets with ensuring proper protections for vulnerable children. The initiative's success depends on careful coordination between multiple agencies and careful consideration of each child's circumstances.