Democratic Senator Warns Trump Administration May Fast-Track Deportation of 500 Migrant Children

A senior Democratic senator has accused the Trump administration of preparing to rapidly deport more than 500 unaccompanied migrant children , warning that the move could bypass legal protections and endanger vulnerable minors.

In a letter sent Wednesday to US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , Oregon Senator Ron Wyden said he had received "credible information" indicating that officials were compiling a list of migrant children for a fast-track removal process expected to begin within days. Wyden urged the administration to immediately halt any such plans, alleging it was abandoning its humanitarian and child welfare responsibilities.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rejected the claims. HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard described Wyden's allegations as "irresponsible fearmongering," stating there are no plans to target children in government care. She said the administration's priority remains identifying parents or legal guardians and ensuring children are placed with properly vetted sponsors.

Wyden's warning comes after a similar controversy last Labour Day weekend , when dozens of migrant children were removed from shelters and foster homes for planned deportation flights to Guatemala. A federal judge intervened overnight, halting the operation after legal challenges argued the removals violated due process.

Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 , unaccompanied migrant children are generally entitled to remain in the least restrictive setting possible while their immigration cases proceed. They may also seek asylum or other forms of legal protection.

According to Wyden, the children currently at risk have been in US custody for at least 180 days , many in foster care, and reportedly lack an identified sponsor. Advocacy groups argue stricter sponsor-vetting policies have prolonged children's stays in government shelters, while the administration says the measures are necessary to protect minors from unsafe placements.