Allegations have surfaced in the US about a contentious plan by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to deport more than 500 unaccompanied migrant children from federal custody. The initiative, described as "deeply alarming" by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, would see these vulnerable youngsters, many of whom have been in care for over six months, removed from long-term foster placements with Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) providers across the US.
The children targeted are predominantly classified as 'category 4', meaning they lack a viable sponsor – such as a relative or vetted individual – in the United States. Senator Wyden has highlighted that the vast majority of these minors already have legal representation in their immigration proceedings, and that proceeding with removals without involving their attorneys would constitute "a severe breach of due process." The information suggests HHS is laying the groundwork for another removal initiative, potentially sending children back to "dangerous conditions" in their countries of origin, which reportedly include Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Afghanistan.
The timing of this alleged effort is also a point of contention. Senator Wyden argued that it coincides with a 30 June 2026 deadline for immigration courts to conclude the children's cases. He alleged that the department is attempting to pre-empt judicial decisions by conducting a parallel internal screening process, which he described as "a transparent attempt to evade imminent judicial oversight and cut off all unaccompanied children’s access to legal remedies."
This development comes amidst previous criticisms from Senator Wyden regarding HHS's alleged "reorientation of ORR away from its statutory child welfare mission." He noted that the Senate Finance Committee has been unable to obtain substantive answers to four prior oversight letters, even as the department reportedly prepares a mechanism to remove children in its custody. Senator Wyden has demanded that HHS immediately suspend any such initiative and provide a written response by 26 June 2026.
In response to the accusations, an HHS spokesperson told The Guardian that there are "no plans to target these children." They stated that the Biden administration "rushed the release of these children without adequate sponsor vetting, leaving thousands vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and trafficking." The spokesperson added that the Trump administration is working to identify parents or guardians for unaccompanied minors, claiming this effort would alleviate concerns over child deportations. Critics, however, remain unconvinced by HHS's denials.