President Trump has resumed his first-term policy of separating migrant children from their parents, with targeted enforcement occurring far from the border. Federal agents at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark, N.J., have been carrying out this action in June.
The decision to revive this policy has sparked significant debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups, who argue that separating families is a violation of human rights. Critics emphasize the psychological impact on children, while supporters claim it is necessary to deter illegal immigration and ensure national security.
Under this policy, families apprehended at the border are split, with children placed in government custody while parents face deportation proceedings. The administration has defended the approach, stating it is critical to maintaining border security and preventing human trafficking.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the long-term effects on children, citing studies that show trauma and emotional distress. Meanwhile, some political leaders have called for an end to the policy, urging a more humane approach to immigration enforcement. The situation continues to draw widespread attention, with ongoing discussions about the ethical and legal implications of family separation in immigration policy.