Record Deportations of Young Immigrant Children Under Trump Raise Due Process Concerns

Record Deportations of Young Immigrant Children Under Trump Raise Due Process Concerns
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Despite pledges to focus on “bad, hard criminals,” the Trump administration has seen record numbers of young immigrant children ordered deported, raising serious concerns among lawyers and rights groups. New court data shows that in April alone, over 8,300 children aged 11 or younger received removal orders — the highest monthly figure in more than 35 years. Since Trump’s inauguration, immigration courts have ordered the deportation of more than 53,000 minors, many of them elementary school age or younger.

The data, compiled by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), shows that about 15,000 were under four years old and 20,000 were between four and eleven. Teenagers have also seen rising deportation orders, though numbers remain below their peak under Trump’s first term.

Immigration lawyers say many of these children are unaccompanied minors required to appear before judges without fully understanding the proceedings. Many face hearings alone, with 76 percent lacking legal representation, and are pushed through “rocket docket” hearings that can last just two weeks.

Critics argue that this fast-tracking undermines due process and leaves vulnerable children, including trafficking victims, unable to prepare proper cases. The government’s attempt to cancel federal funding for legal aid has further compounded the crisis, though courts have ordered funding restored for now.

ICE denies targeting children, saying families are given the option to remain together. However, reports show some children have been separated and deported without their guardians.

Data also shows minors now account for 26 percent of deportation orders despite representing only 11 percent of the undocumented population. Removal rates for children under four have jumped from 45 percent in January to 78 percent in May.

Rights advocates say the trend echoes earlier family separation policies and reflects a strategy of using harsh measures to deter migration. Many fear the system is pushing children through immigration courts too quickly, jeopardizing their rights and safety in the process.