This week, days after the extraordinary violence in El Paso, the administration conducted a massive “work-site enforcement” raid at food processing plants across Mississippi. ICE officials arrested nearly 700 adults—many parents of young children who were attending the first day of the new school year.
ICE failed to notify schools or state child welfare agencies about the raids, leaving teachers, principals, and community members suddenly faced with terrified children separated from their parents. Learn more about the devastating impact of the raid here.
In the face of this crisis, community members—union officials, organizers, immigration lawyers, and child welfare advocates—across Mississippi responded immediately. We understand that most children are being cared for by extended family members. Some parents were subsequently released by ICE to care for their children while they go through removal proceedings.
If there are any children who have not yet been reunified with parents or family members, they should fall under the protection of local child welfare laws and officials, who will have an obligation to find safe placements for the children in the community. Our desperate hope is that none of the children have to enter state or federal care. There’s just no need, when these children were growing up in loving homes where just this week parents sent them off to school with backpacks and lunchboxes, ready to start the new year.
If any children do face the possibility of prolonged separation, the Young Center stands ready. We are collaborating with organizations in Mississippi and stand ready to assist attorneys and child welfare workers navigate the complex intersection of immigration and child welfare systems. It is unacceptable that by conducting these raids, by spiriting parents away, immigration officials gave no consideration to children's safety, emotional well-being, or best interests. We hope you'll join us in advocating for an end to this cruel practice.
The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights works with the most vulnerable unaccompanied and separated immigrant children in federal custody so their voices are heard and their best interests are protected. We also advocate for an immigration system that treats children as children. Click here to donate and support our work.
