Florida's DCF Under Fire for Risking Teen's Safety by Involving ICE

Pensacola, Florida, USA - The recent actions of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) have raised serious questions about the treatment of immigrant youth in the state’s foster care system. On June 12, 2025, it was reported that DCF may have violated its own regulations by placing a seventeen-year-old immigrant teen, identified only as „Henry,“ into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This situation contradicts DCF’s long-standing Undocumented Child Rule, which prohibits the involvement of immigration authorities in cases concerning child abuse reports.

Henry, hailing from Honduras, was removed from his foster home in Pensacola in handcuffs and leg irons. His background is troubling; his mother was previously deported, and he is believed to have been a victim of labor trafficking. Children’s attorney Fran Allegra has voiced concerns that recent policy changes might deter families from reporting abuse, fearing immigration repercussions. As it stands, Henry is currently in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement and does not have an active deportation order.

Child Welfare Under Scrutiny

This incident is a part of a broader troubling trend. The past four years have seen a historic surge in unaccompanied children crossing the U.S. southern border, with many ending up in foster care or with sponsors. The lack of proper vetting for these sponsors has resulted in severe cases of physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and forced labor among these vulnerable children. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), this crisis galvanized the launch of a national child welfare initiative aimed at safeguarding these at-risk youths.

ICE spokesperson Laszlo Baksay highlighted the grave reality of this matter. Many alleged sponsors of unaccompanied minors have been linked to serious crimes ranging from drug trafficking to attempted murder, casting a shadow over the safety of the children they are meant to care for. Reports of minors suffering under negligent conditions or being forced into labor further emphasize the crucial need for stringent oversight.

The Role of the Office of Refugee Resettlement

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) plays a pivotal role in managing the care of unaccompanied alien children (UAC), taking legal custody of these minors upon transfer from DCF or other referring agencies. ORR operates under principles that prioritize the dignity and safety of children, aiming to assess their needs and provide appropriate placements. This involves a continuous review process to ensure that the placements remain favorable for the children’s well-being.

ORR has mechanisms in place to transfer children only after thorough assessments and every placement is evaluated for its suitability. For children expected to remain in ORR custody for extended periods, long-term foster care may be an option. With specialized services available for unique needs, the ORR aims to address concerns with care that respects individual circumstances.

As communities in Florida and beyond grapple with these issues, the DCF’s actions in Henry’s case touch on the larger conversation about child welfare, immigration policy, and protective measures. It’s evident that significant change is needed to ensure the safety and rights of all children, regardless of their immigration status.

Moving forward, it is crucial to keep the dialogue open and address these pressing issues, ensuring that children like Henry are not swept into uncertainty but instead are given the protection and care they deserve.