Increasingly strict immigration enforcement is increasing the number of family separations for families of mixed legal status. Parents facing removal can leave their children behind or bring them along. An estimated four hundred children are residing in shelters run by the Office Refugee Resettlement as of September 2025.
Until recently, most children in these shelters were unaccompanied minors found after crossing the border. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) only send children caught in enforcement operations beyond the border to shelters if they’re a runaway or suffering from abuse or neglect. However, the proportion of children in shelters because of enforcement-induced family separations is rising.
The separations mainly happen during immigration enforcement operations. The parent can choose to voluntarily leave with their children or legally challenge their removal. If they choose the latter, then their children are sent to government operated shelters while the parents are arrested and processed.
Some instances of family separations happen in minor traffic stops. Most of the individuals targeted by said operations are either undocumented or have other unresolved legal issues. Whether they have a criminal record is irrelevant.
This trend highlights the importance of resolving any outstanding legal issues for undocumented individuals, especially those with children. Here are a few things individuals can do to decrease the chances of facing detention and removal if confronted by immigration agents:
- Resolve all outstanding legal issues as soon as possible, especially those related to legal status.
- Always keep the correct documentation on hand. Immigration agents detain people if they don’t provide definitive proof of their legal status.
- Do not travel outside the United States. Immigration agents detain non-citizens at ports of entry.
As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, please contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws and policy updates. In an ever-evolving immigration landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.