The Trump administration has identified more than 500 unaccompanied migrant children in US government custody to be potentially removed from the country, according to Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden. These children, who have been in custody for at least six months, do not have a relative or guardian in the United States.

Background

The administration previously attempted to repatriate Guatemalan children in government custody who arrived in the United States alone and didn’t have a parent in the country. However, this effort was stopped by a federal judge.

Sen. Wyden has expressed concern over the potential removal of these children, stating that it would place them in immediate jeopardy and undermine the nation’s commitment to due process. He has demanded the immediate suspension of any screening initiative and planned removal action.

Response from HHS

In response to Sen. Wyden’s concerns, an HHS spokesperson stated that there are no plans to target these children. The spokesperson emphasized that the Trump administration is working to identify the parents or legal guardians of unaccompanied alien children in their care, ensuring that every child is placed with a properly vetted sponsor.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which is responsible for the care of migrant children who arrive at the US southern border alone, has been identifying minors in custody who could be potentially removed from the United States. Immigrant advocates and attorneys have raised alarm over the potential removal of these children, arguing that it may not be in their best interest.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.