Explosive internal documents from Donald Trump's presidential campaign have unveiled a radical immigration strategy that would see the US government separate migrant children from their parents on a massive scale. The proposed policy, far more extensive than previously known, aims to target not only those crossing the borders illegally but also families who overstay their visas.
The 2025 policy blueprint, obtained by reporters, explicitly directs federal agencies to resume the controversial practice of child separation—a policy that drew international condemnation during Trump's first term. The documents reveal plans to utilise existing legal authority to place unaccompanied migrant children into government shelters and foster care while their parents face immigration proceedings.
Expanding the Scope of Family Separation
Unlike the previous administration's approach, which primarily focused on border crossers, the new proposal would extend separation practices to include families living in the US interior who have overstayed their visas. This represents a significant expansion of enforcement measures that could affect thousands of families currently residing in the United States.
Campaign officials have confirmed the authenticity of the documents, stating they reflect Trump's intention to address what he calls "the immigration crisis" through aggressive measures. The policy would involve coordination between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Office of Refugee Resettlement to implement the separations systematically.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
Civil rights organisations and immigration advocates have immediately condemned the proposed policy, warning of devastating psychological impacts on children and potential legal challenges. The American Civil Liberties Union, which previously successfully challenged the family separation policy, has vowed to fight any attempts to reinstate it.
Medical and mental health experts have repeatedly warned that separating children from their parents can cause lasting trauma, anxiety, and developmental issues. The previous implementation of the policy resulted in over 5,000 children being separated from their families, with some still not reunited years later.
As the 2024 election approaches, immigration remains a central issue, with Trump positioning himself as taking a hardline stance against illegal immigration. The revelation of these documents is likely to intensify the debate around immigration enforcement methods and their human costs.
