Children held in government custody by ICE are alone, separated from family, and often without a lawyer or trusted adult advocating for them. The government has a responsibility to keep children safe, but a new proposed rule puts them at risk of harm.

If implemented, this new rule would allow untrained federal contractors to examine the bodies of immigrant children in federal custody, with almost no guardrails in place. The rule would also make it harder for these children to reunite with their parents and family, leaving them detained in federal custody indefinitely.

The deadline for the public to submit comments and stop this is August 25th.  

Please sign this petition and leave a comment here, telling the federal government to withdraw the rule before the August 25th. Feel free to use the template below, or draft your own comment. 

You can also submit your comment directly: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ACF-2026-0199-0001

TEMPLATE:

Comment on ACF-2026-0199 / RIN 0970-AD26: Unaccompanied Children Program Proposed Foundational Rule; Sponsor Assessment Update

My name is [NAME], and I am writing to oppose this rule in the strongest terms, as this proposed rule will harm children. I am asking the government to withdraw or substantially revise this proposed rule.

Specifically, I oppose the provision authorizing untrained staff to examine children for tattoos or markings believed to indicate gang affiliation. This provision risks mistaking cultural markings, coerced trafficking brands, or ordinary tattoos for evidence of “dangerousness.” It also risks re-traumatizing children.

The rule keeps children in custody, separated from family, and risks further trauma through invasive body searches. The government must withdraw or substantially revise this proposed rule to reflect the shared American value of protecting children from harm.