The remaining minors are prioritized as public safety or border security.
This is a severe departure fromICEs usual prioritization targeting adults with criminal records for deportation action.
These children may have histories of abuse or may be seeking safety from threats of violence.
Baltimore’s Enforcement and Removal Operations of ICE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.Karl Merton Ferron/Getty Images
They may have been trafficked or smuggled, ORR says on itswebsite.
Some of these children have beenexploited as child laborersin the U.S. after their release.
Homan in late Januarydid not rule outthat possibility.
