‘Deplorable’: ICE hires firm accused of ‘torture’ to track down undocumented children
ICE has contracted MVM Inc., a private security firm accused of involvement in 'torture' and 'enforced disappearance' during the Trump-era family separation policy, to locate undocumented immigrant children in the U.S. The agency describes the work as 'safety and wellness checks,' though internal documents suggest the operations also support deportation efforts. MVM denies the allegations and has argued it should not be held liable for carrying out federal government policy.
- ▪ICE awarded a contract to MVM Inc. in mid-April 2026 to help locate unaccompanied immigrant minors previously released into U.S. communities.
- ▪MVM is facing a federal lawsuit filed by two Guatemalan families who allege the company participated in torture and enforced disappearance during the 2017 family separation policy.
- ▪An internal ICE document revealed that the agency's operations targeting minors aim to support deportations or criminal cases against sponsors.
- ▪ICE claims the checks are for child safety, including monitoring for abuse or trafficking, but critics have called the efforts 'backdoor family separation.
- ▪Eighteen companies competed for the contract, but MVM was selected due to its 'boots on the ground' infrastructure to locate children.
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A child with his family and an ICE agent in the halls of immigration court at the federal building in New York City on 23 July 2025. Photograph: Michael M Santiago/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenA child with his family and an ICE agent in the halls of immigration court at the federal building in New York City on 23 July 2025. Photograph: Michael M Santiago/Getty ImagesICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement)‘Deplorable’: ICE hires firm accused of ‘torture’ to track down undocumented childrenExclusive: Contractor denies allegations including ‘enforced disappearance’ and will help locate unaccompanied minorsJosé Olivares in New YorkSat 2 May 2026 06.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 2 May 2026 06.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleUS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has…
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