Overview

• HHS notified shelter providers of a one-time $2,500 relocation stipend for unaccompanied children age 14 or older who opt to depart.
• ICE stated the offer would initially target 17-year-olds and gave no start date, underscoring conflicting guidance on eligibility.
• An AP-obtained email set tight timelines, with shelters asked to acknowledge within four hours and children given 24 hours to decide.
• Advocates and child-rights attorneys say the cash incentive could pressure vulnerable minors to waive lawful protections.
• A separate court order temporarily blocked a new policy to place youths in ICE adult detention after they turn 18.