Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Trump Policy Reshapes Child Reunifications
A mother named Aurora was finally reunited with her daughter after her daughter spent over six months in a migrant child shelter.
However, just days after their reunion, they were detained by ICE and transferred to a family detention center in Texas.
This is part of a larger policy under the Trump administration where the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) shares data with ICE, leading to the arrest of over 12,000 people.
Critics say this policy is using the child welfare system to increase deportations, while supporters argue it ensures the safety of migrant children.
The policy has made it harder for families to reunite, increasing the time children spend in government custody.
Aurora, an undocumented immigrant, was reunited with her daughter after six months, only to be detained by ICE days later.
Over 12,000 people have been arrested following ORR referrals to ICE under the Trump administration.
The ORR has shared over 460,000 investigative leads with ICE since January 2025.
Stricter screening processes have increased the average time unaccompanied migrant children spend in custody from 30 days to 194 days.
Critics argue the policy is weaponizing the child welfare system for deportations, while supporters claim it ensures child safety.
- Who
- Aurora, a 24-year-old undocumented immigrant, and her 6-year-old daughter, along with thousands of other migrant families.
- What
- The Trump administration's policy of sharing data between the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and ICE, leading to increased arrests and deportations of migrant families.
- When
- Since January 2025, with significant changes in policy and procedures.
- Where
- United States, primarily at the US-Mexico border and in family detention centers in Texas.
- Why
- To locate children placed with potentially unsafe sponsors and to enforce immigration laws more strictly.
Critics of Trump's Policy
Supporters of Trump's Policy
Purpose of ORR Data Sharing
Critics of Trump's Policy
Critics argue that the ORR is being used to facilitate deportations, weaponizing a child welfare program.
Supporters of Trump's Policy
Supporters claim the data sharing helps locate children placed with potentially unsafe sponsors, including those with criminal records.
Impact on Family Reunification
Critics of Trump's Policy
Critics say the stricter screening process and data sharing have made it harder for families to reunite, increasing the time children spend in custody.
Supporters of Trump's Policy
Supporters argue that the stricter screening ensures the safety and well-being of migrant children by vetting sponsors more thoroughly.
- Number of Arrests
- More than 12,000
- Investigative Leads Shared
- Over 460,000
- Average Custody Time (2024)
- 30 days
- Average Custody Time (2026)
- 194 days
- ORR Established
- 1980
- ORR's Role
- Resettle refugees and oversee unaccompanied migrant children
- DHS's Role
- Oversees ICE and immigration enforcement