ICE Custody Transfer for 17-Year-Old Foster Teen Under Review

This is an update for a post on our Instagram. The story centers on a foster teen and ICE involvement that has drawn concern from both child welfare and immigration advocates.

A 17-year-old teen from Honduras (referred to as Henry) entered the United States undocumented with his mother at age 13. After she was deported, Henry traveled to Pensacola, Florida, where he looked for work. He was later found living in a shed without enough food, shelter, or support before being placed into foster care.

Department of Children and Families’ Policy and Response

On June 6, an administrator from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) notified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about Henry’s citizenship status. Three days later, ICE agents arrived at the foster home, removed Henry in handcuffs and shackles, and transferred him into the custody of the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

According to DCF, Henry had been in federal ORR custody before and had fled. They claim he was not officially in state care, but rather being temporarily housed. DCF said it works with federal partners to return youth to the proper legal custody.

Why People Are Outraged

The Miami Herald reported there was no deportation order in place for Henry. Many are asking why a foster teen was reported to ICE at all, especially since Florida policies are supposed to protect children in care, no matter their immigration status.

Community advocate Grace McCaffery, who had met Henry years ago, said he was not in a safe situation and may have been abused. She believes law enforcement likely helped him, but also said the system failed to protect him from being treated like a criminal.

State Senator Ileana Garcia said it’s wrong for ICE to take minors from foster homes. The Miami Herald reports she said undocumented foster youth, many of whom are trafficking victims, should not be targeted just to meet deportation goals.

• ICE involvement with a foster teen is rare and raises legal and ethical concerns.
• Critics say the teen was treated like a criminal despite being a vulnerable minor.
• Concerns are growing that immigrant families will now fear reporting abuse or seeking help from the child welfare system.
• Advocates worry this case could discourage trust in child protection service

This situation highlights the tension between immigration enforcement and child welfare protections, especially for undocumented children without family support.

Why It Matters for the Foster Care System

This case has made many people afraid that undocumented children won’t get help when they need it. Advocates worry it will stop families from reporting abuse or using child protection services. Many fear that children could be left behind if their parents are deported and that they won’t have a voice in what happens next.

Henry’s case shows why many in the immigrant and foster care communities are calling for better protection for vulnerable youth.