Operation Freaky Friday targets migrant children
ICE has began targeting undocumented migrant children in an operation allegedly called “Freaky Friday.” It has been a rough 10 months in the immigration world. It is only getting rougher.
Overview
Operation “Freaky Friday” refers to a controversial U.S. immigration enforcement initiative launched by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on October 3, 2025. It specifically targets unaccompanied migrant children aged 14 and older (primarily those 14–18) who arrived in the U.S. without parents or legal guardians. The program offers these minors a $2,500 cash incentive to voluntarily self-deport—meaning they agree to return to their home countries without pursuing asylum claims or other humanitarian protections. If they decline, reports indicate potential threats to target their parents or family members for enforcement actions, such as arrest or deportation.
The name “Freaky Friday” originated as an internal or rumored ICE designation, drawing from the 2003 Disney film Freaky Friday (and its 2025 sequel Freakier Friday), but ICE has publicly denied using it, calling it a “ridiculous term” invented by critics to spread fear. Despite the denial, the operation has been widely referenced by this name in media, advocacy circles, and social media due to initial leaks from immigration lawyers.
This effort is part of the broader Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign, which has escalated since early 2025, including operations like “Midway Blitz” in Chicago and “Tidal Wave” in Florida. It does not involve widespread raids on schools, shelters, or communities, nor does it broadly target all immigrant children—only a subset of unaccompanied minors in federal custody or previously detained.
Key Details
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Group | Unaccompanied children (aged 14–18) from non-Mexican nationalities in Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody or prior ICE detention. Excludes Mexican minors and those under 14 (though advocates fear expansion to ages 10+). |
| Incentive | $2,500 cash payment upon agreement to waive legal rights (e.g., asylum applications) and self-deport. Described by ICE as a “strictly voluntary option.” |
| Process | Notices sent to legal service providers and shelters; children pressured to sign agreements. Declining may lead to family targeting, per advocate reports. |
| Launch Date | October 3, 2025 (a Friday, hence the name). Rumors circulated on October 2 via the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). |
| Scope | Nationwide, affecting shelters and federal care facilities. As of October 14, 2025, it’s ongoing, with advocates reporting increased pressure on minors. |
Controversy and Responses
- Criticism from Advocates: Groups like the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and AILA describe it as coercive and exploitative, preying on vulnerable children fleeing violence or persecution. They argue it violates protections under laws like the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and could lead to children waiving rights out of fear. Mobilization efforts include emergency calls among lawyers and alerts to non-profits.
- Government Response: ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) insist the program is voluntary and aimed at reuniting children with families, denying any “Freaky Friday” branding or threats. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accused critics of misinformation fueling violence against agents.
- Public and Media Reaction: Social media exploded with outrage, including posts from attorneys like Charles Kuck warning of “darkness and evil” at ICE. Coverage in outlets like NBC News, The Intercept, and Politico highlighted ethical concerns, with some calling it a “bribe” to minors. Minnesota school districts and local advocates prepared responses, though no widespread arrests were reported.
Broader Context
This operation aligns with Project 2025’s immigration blueprint, emphasizing rapid deportations. Similar adult self-deportation pilots offered up to $1,000, but extending it to children has drawn bipartisan scrutiny, including from Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) in September 2025 hearings. As of October 14, 2025, no major legal challenges have halted it, but NIJC and others are monitoring for injunction violations (e.g., from the Garcia Ramirez case protecting minors).
For families or advocates: Consult resources like NIJC’s guide (immigrantjustice.org) or AILA for support. If you’re affected, contact legal aid immediately—do not sign anything without counsel.