The Shocking Impact of ICE Treatment of Children Revealed

Recent reports have highlighted alarming practices by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the treatment of children in the immigration system. Experts Lisa Jacobs, Jessica Heldman, and Sarah Diaz warn that the misuse of juvenile records in immigration proceedings is unjust and can cause lasting harm.

In 2025, ICE placed over 600 children in detention facilities more than in the previous four years combined—many simply for attending hearings or being accompanied by adults who were arrested. This practice exposes minors to a system designed for adults, creating unique risks and long-term consequences.

Understanding ICE Treatment Of Children The core issue stems from the “adultification” of immigration procedures, which treats minors as if they were adults. Juvenile records are being used inappropriately in immigration adjudications, impacting benefit eligibility and discretionary decisions.

According to the AILA Law Journal article, “No Second Chances : The Inappropriate Use of Juvenile Delinquencies in Immigration Law Adjudications,” these practices contradict the fundamental principles of juvenile justice, which recognize that youth have distinct developmental, psychological, and social needs compared to adults.

U.S. juvenile justice systems emphasize rehabilitation, treatment, and age-appropriate interventions, employing distinct processes for minors versus adults. Most states have specialized legal frameworks for juvenile cases, including confidentiality protections and enhanced expungement options.

However, when juvenile records are used in immigration proceedings, these safeguards are disregarded, exposing children to harsher outcomes than their age, maturity, and circumstances warrant.

The misuse of juvenile records also undermines broader social and legal goals of protecting youth and supporting their successful integration into society.

Enforcement And Operational Impact Aggressive ICE enforcement has increased interactions between immigrant youth and law enforcement. Children detained or arrested may have their juvenile records cited in immigration decisions, even for minor offenses, effectively equating them to adult criminal history.

This practice can block access to immigration relief, lead to prolonged detention, and negatively affect families and communities. Developmental science indicates that youth are less culpable for their actions than adults, and harsh consequences can severely limit future opportunities, education, and employment prospects.

The improper use of juvenile records in immigration proceedings has significant legal and societal implications. It contradicts U.S. Supreme Court rulings emphasizing that youth are “categorically less culpable” than adults and should not be penalized as if they were fully responsible for their actions.

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Policies that treat juvenile records as adult records not only harm children but also strain families, increase community insecurity, and perpetuate cycles of disadvantage. Reforming these practices is essential to align immigration enforcement with juvenile justice principles and ensure that children’s rights are adequately protected.

Key Takeaways ICE detained over 600 children in 2025, exceeding the total from the previous four years

Juvenile records are being treated as adult records in immigration proceedings, creating lasting harm

Current practices undermine established juvenile justice principles focused on rehabilitation and age-appropriate treatment

Misuse of records can prevent access to immigration benefits, prolong detention, and disrupt families

Experts and advocates call for reforms to protect children and align immigration processes with juvenile justice standards

The treatment of children in ICE custody highlights critical shortcomings in the U.S. immigration system. By using juvenile records as if they were adult records, the government risks irreparable harm to minors and undermines the principles of rehabilitation and fairness central to juvenile justice.

Advocates emphasize that reforming these practices is vital to safeguarding the rights, futures, and well-being of migrant children and young adults. Addressing these systemic issues will help ensure that immigration enforcement does not perpetuate lifelong consequences for vulnerable youth.