Senator Ron Wyden accuses US health agency of plan to deport more than 500 migrant children

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has accused the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of preparing to deport more than 500 unaccompanied migrant children currently in its care. Wyden alleges that the agency is developing an "unprecedented legal framework" to facilitate expedited removal, a process he contends lacks proper statutory authority.

In a letter addressed to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Wyden stated he received "credible information" indicating that the department is identifying over 500 children as targets for rapid deportation. The senator expressed serious concern that this new administrative process is being implemented without clear legal backing, potentially jeopardizing the welfare and rights of vulnerable children.

“

credible information

Wyden's accusations highlight a significant controversy surrounding the handling of unaccompanied minors within the U.S. immigration system. The senator's intervention suggests a potential legal and ethical challenge to the administration's policies regarding the treatment and deportation of these children. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), a division of HHS, is responsible for the care of these children while their immigration cases are processed.

“

unprecedented legal framework