"The exploitation of children is inexcusable and a cruel departure from our values," Jennie said yesterday. "… The Biden administration, Congress and states should work together toward immediate and longer-term solutions that keep kids safe and honor our values." 

The administration did announce new initiatives yesterday to investigate child labor violations and improve support for migrant children, Hannah Dreier of The New York Times reports in a follow-up to her exposé. Among the plans: a joint task force, more sharing of information on labor protections with sponsors of recently released children, and a focus on geographic regions where violations are more likely.  

Two House committees are promising investigations into the circumstances. And speaking of House committees, another one has a border hearing today, as Quinn Owen of ABC News reports. (We’re not holding our breath for the conversation to center on teamwork and real solutions.)  

A quick clarification: Last week we missed a credit on a KHOU story about DACA recipient Jaime Avalos’ homecoming. Our credits also should have included Ugochi Iloka. 

Welcome to Tuesday’s edition of The Forum Daily. I’m Dan Gordon, the Forum’s strategic communications VP, and the great Forum Daily team also includes Dynahlee Padilla-Vasquez, Clara Villatoro and Katie Lutz. If you have a story to share from your own community, please send it to me at [email protected]. 

RARE VICTORY — On Monday, nearly 100 immigrants involved in a 2018 raid at a meat processing plant in Tennessee reached a $1.17 million settlement against the U.S. government and federal agents for racial profiling and excessive force, reports Miriam Jordan of The New York Times. Legal experts called it a rare victory for undocumented immigrants: It is "very likely the first-class settlement over an immigration enforcement operation at a work site," Jordan notes. 

REMITTANCES — With an increase in political oppression, high global inflation and limited job opportunities, more Nicaraguans are fleeing in search of economic stability. In 2022 alone, remittances to Nicaragua showed part of a 50% surge, boosting its economy, reports Gabriela Selser of the Associated Press. 

FARMWORKERS’ LAWSUIT — Two migrant farmworkers, cousins originally from Guatemala, are suing Purpose Point Harvesting in Oceana County, Michigan, alleging that it confiscated their passports, "charged illegal fees, [and] threatened retaliation," reports Matthew Miller of MLive. There are also instances of being overworked and underpaid for 100-hour work weeks, among other issues, Miller notes. 

‘A STEP TOWARD LIBERATION’ — As Black History Month concludes, "[W]e urge Philadelphians to recognize the diversity of Black Philadelphia and to pay attention to the unique challenges faced by Black immigrants," Eric Edi of the Coalition of African Communities and Lilah Thompson of Nationalities Service Center write in a powerful op-ed for The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Challenging the anti-Black racism that pervades our society, including our immigration system — and ensuring every immigrant has access to representation — is a step toward liberation for all." 

Thanks for reading, 

Dan