Advocates Warn US Agents Use Wellness Checks on Children to Facilitate Arrests

Key Takeaways

• Since February 2025, DHS conducts wellness checks on unaccompanied immigrant children placed with sponsors.
• Approximately 6,000 children reunited; 500 detained due to sponsor criminal activities found in checks.
• Advocates warn checks may lead to family detentions, risking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases.

As of July 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expanded its use of wellness checks on immigrant children, especially those who arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 without parents or guardians. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, when these changes took effect, what actions are required, and what the new policy means for families, children, and pending immigration cases.

Summary of What Changed

In February 2025, DHS, working with federal and state partners, launched a national initiative to conduct wellness checks on unaccompanied immigrant children. These children had been placed with sponsors in the United States 🇺🇸, but many of these sponsors were not properly checked or vetted. The wellness checks are officially described as efforts to protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. However, many advocates and legal experts worry that these checks are being used as a way to gather information that could lead to the arrest or deportation of children or their family members.

Who Is Affected

• Unaccompanied Immigrant Children:
  Children who arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 without a parent or legal guardian and were placed with sponsors.
• Sponsors and Family Members:
  Adults who agreed to care for these children, including relatives, family friends, or others.
• Families in the Immigration System:
  Families with pending immigration cases, especially those seeking special protections for children.
• Communities with Large Immigrant Populations:
  Areas where many unaccompanied children have been placed, such as Los Angeles and San Diego.

Effective Dates

• The new national wellness check initiative began in February 2025.
• Reports and concerns about its use as a tool for enforcement have grown through mid-2025.

Required Actions

There are no new application forms or official steps for families to take in response to these checks. However, families and sponsors should be aware of the following:

• Know Your Rights:
  If DHS or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents visit your home for a wellness check, you have the right to ask for identification and the reason for their visit.
• Legal Support:
  If you or your family are contacted, consider reaching out to a legal advocacy group such as Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) or Innovation Law Lab for advice.
• Documentation:
  Keep records of any visits or communications from DHS or ICE, including names, dates, and what was discussed.
• Seek Help:
  If you feel unsafe or believe a child is at risk, contact a trusted legal or child welfare organization.

Implications for Pending Applications

• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS):
  Children applying for SIJS or other forms of protection may face added risks if family members or sponsors are detained or deported after a wellness check.
• Family Separation Risks:
  There is a real possibility that wellness checks could lead to the detention of parents or sponsors, even if they have no criminal record.
• Delays and Uncertainty:
  Ongoing immigration cases may be delayed or complicated if key family members are taken into custody.

Details of the Wellness Check Initiative

Background and Purpose

The wellness check program was launched after reports surfaced that some unaccompanied immigrant children had been placed with sponsors who were not properly checked. DHS officials said that some sponsors were involved in serious crimes, including child abuse, sexual exploitation, forced labor, and drug trafficking. The stated goal of the initiative is to protect children and reunite them with safe guardians.

How the Process Works

1. Identification:
   DHS and ICE identify unaccompanied children who were placed with sponsors without full background checks.
2. Wellness Check Visit:
   Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents visit the child’s home to check on their safety and living conditions.
3. Information Gathering:
   Agents may ask questions about the child’s daily life, who lives in the home, and the relationship between the child and the sponsor.
4. Follow-Up Actions:
   If agents find signs of abuse, neglect, or criminal activity, they may start an investigation or take enforcement actions.
5. Detention or Reunification:
   If a sponsor or family member is found to be undocumented or involved in a crime, they may be detained or put into deportation proceedings. DHS says it tries to reunite children with safe guardians, but details about how this happens are not clear.

Findings and Results So Far

• DHS claims to have reunited 6,000 unaccompanied children with relatives or safe guardians since the initiative began.
• Agents have found sponsors involved in crimes such as possession of child sexual abuse material, forced labor, drug trafficking, and attempted murder.
• About 500 unaccompanied immigrant children have been taken into federal custody after wellness checks, including in Los Angeles and other states.

Concerns Raised by Advocates and Legal Experts

Use as a Pretext for Deportation

Advocates say that wellness checks are not just about protecting children. They believe these checks are being used to collect information that leads to the arrest and deportation of family members or sponsors. For example, in San Diego, a wellness check on a girl seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status was followed by the detention of her undocumented parents, even though they had no criminal record.

Conflict of Interest and Safety Risks

Legal experts, like Wendy Young from Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), warn that having law enforcement officers with the power to deport people conduct wellness checks creates a conflict of interest. This can make families afraid to answer the door or seek help, which could put children at greater risk of abuse or trafficking.

Historical Parallels and Public Outcry

Many critics compare these wellness checks to the family separation policies under President Trump. They worry that the current approach could lead to similar trauma for immigrant children and families. There is growing public concern that these checks are a return to harsh immigration enforcement tactics, even though they are described as child welfare efforts.

Lack of Transparency

DHS and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) have not provided clear answers about whether child welfare professionals are involved in these checks or what happens to children and families after the checks. This lack of information makes it hard for families and advocates to know what to expect or how to protect themselves.

Expert Perspectives

Real-Life Examples and Impact

• In Los Angeles, several children were taken into federal custody after wellness checks, even though there was no evidence of abuse.
• The deportation of 9-year-old Mártir García Lara and his father after a routine immigration hearing shows the emotional and practical harm these actions can cause.
• Families report feeling anxious, confused, and afraid to seek help, even when children are in danger.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

For Children and Families

• Increased Fear:
  The presence of law enforcement during wellness checks makes many families afraid to open their doors or talk to officials.
• Risk of Going Underground:
  Some families may hide or avoid contact with authorities, which can make children more vulnerable to trafficking or abuse.
• Emotional Harm:
  Children may experience trauma if family members are detained or deported, especially if they are left without trusted adults.

For Pending Immigration Cases

• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS):
  Children applying for SIJS or other protections may lose their sponsors or family support if those adults are detained.
• Delays and Complications:
  Cases may be delayed or become more difficult if key people are no longer available to help with paperwork or attend hearings.
• Potential for Increased Deportations:
  Advocates worry that the checks are being used to find and deport undocumented parents or sponsors, not just to protect children.

What Should Families and Sponsors Do?

• Stay Informed:
  Follow updates from trusted sources, such as legal aid groups and official government websites.
• Know Your Rights:
  You have the right to ask for identification from any official who comes to your home. You do not have to let them in unless they have a warrant.
• Seek Legal Help:
  If you are contacted by DHS or ICE, reach out to a legal aid group like KIND or Innovation Law Lab for advice.
• Document Everything:
  Keep notes about any visits, including names, dates, and what was discussed.
• Protect Children:
  If you believe a child is in danger, contact a trusted legal or child welfare organization for help.

Official Resources

For more information about your rights and the wellness check process, visit the official Department of Homeland Security website. You can also contact:

• DHS Press Office: (202) 282-8010
• ICE Public Affairs: (866) 347-2423
• Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR): (202) 401-9246

Advocacy and Legal Support

• Kids in Need of Defense (KIND): kind.org
• Innovation Law Lab: innovationlawlab.org

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

• Continued Monitoring:
  Advocacy groups will keep watching how the wellness check initiative affects immigrant children and families.
• Push for Change:
  Many groups are calling for a clear separation between child welfare services and immigration enforcement. They want social workers, not law enforcement, to handle child safety checks.
• Possible Legal Challenges:
  If wellness checks keep leading to family detentions, there may be lawsuits or calls for new laws to protect children and families.
• Demand for Transparency:
  Advocates want DHS and ORR to explain exactly how wellness checks are done and what happens to children and families afterward.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Be Prepared:
  If you are a sponsor or family member of an unaccompanied immigrant child, know your rights and have a plan in case of a wellness check.
• Get Legal Advice:
  Contact a legal aid group if you are worried about your immigration status or the safety of a child in your care.
• Stay Updated:
  Follow trusted sources for the latest news and policy changes.
• Speak Up:
  If you believe the wellness check process is being misused, share your concerns with advocacy groups or your local representatives.

Conclusion

The use of wellness checks by U.S. Homeland Security on immigrant children has become a major issue in 2025. While the official goal is to protect children from harm, many advocates and legal experts fear these checks are being used as a way to find and deport undocumented family members. This has led to confusion, fear, and real harm for many children and families. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains complex, with ongoing calls for greater transparency, legal protections, and a clear separation between child welfare and immigration enforcement. Families and sponsors should stay informed, know their rights, and seek legal help if they are contacted by DHS or ICE. For the most up-to-date information and official resources, visit the Department of Homeland Security website.

By understanding these changes and taking practical steps, families can better protect themselves and the children in their care during this challenging time.

Learn Today

Wellness Checks → Visits by DHS or ICE to verify the safety and well-being of immigrant children with sponsors.
Unaccompanied Immigrant Children → Children who arrive in the U.S. without parents or guardians and placed with sponsors.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) → A legal status offering protection and potential residency for abused or neglected immigrant children.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. federal agency responsible for public security, immigration enforcement, and child welfare checks.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → DHS agency that enforces immigration laws and conducts investigations including wellness checks.

This Article in a Nutshell

DHS launched wellness checks in early 2025 for unaccompanied immigrant children to ensure safety. While aiming to protect, many fear these checks facilitate deportations. Families are urged to know their rights, document visits, and seek legal help amid rising concerns over enforcement during welfare inspections.
— By VisaVerge.com