Groups Launch Tally of ‘Dreamers’ Detained by ICE Despite DACA

Dreamers Detained by ICE Despite DACA

ICE accused of ignoring protections

Groups launch national tally

According to EFE, civil organizations from the “Home is Here” campaign launched a digital platform this Thursday to track young immigrants under DACA who have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The initiative responds to growing concerns that immigration authorities are disregarding protections provided by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program that has shielded thousands of “dreamers” from deportation since 2012.

Early records show that nearly 20 DACA beneficiaries have been arrested by ICE agents despite holding valid status.

Activists warned that the number could rise in the coming weeks due to the federal government’s lack of transparency in reporting detentions.

Lawmakers Join the Complaint Over Dreamers Detained by ICE

Groups Launch Tally of ‘Dreamers’ Detained by ICE Despite DACA – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

At a press conference, civil rights leaders were joined by members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Together they denounced that the Trump administration is “ignoring” the legal protections meant to safeguard these young people.

Deya Aldana, campaign director at United We Dream, called the situation “shameful” and accused the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of openly violating the rights of beneficiaries.

“When immigration agents have detained nearly 20 DACA beneficiaries and DHS openly goes after them, it is an alarming moment for the country,” she declared.

Dreamers Detained by ICE Amid Deportations

Last month, 28-year-old Catalina “Xóchitl” Santiago was boarding a domestic flight when she was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the airport.

For years, she has legally lived in the U.S. under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Despite… pic.twitter.com/fqfTjJ1hru

— PBS News (@NewsHour) September 3, 2025

The campaign was spurred by the high-profile August arrest of Catalina “Xóchitl” Santiago, a young woman under DACA who was detained in Texas.

Her case set off alarm bells among activists, who say the government is selectively targeting youth who should be protected under the program.

Organizations also blasted ICE for its lack of transparency in identifying those in custody.

They noted that arrests often take place at airports and even inside beneficiaries’ homes.

DACA Under Constant Threat

Dreamers detained by ICE despite DACA – PHOTO: EFE

During his first term, Donald Trump tried to end DACA through a lengthy legal battle that ultimately reached the Supreme Court.

The high court ruled against the administration, keeping alive the program created by Barack Obama in 2012.

DACA protects immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children from deportation and grants them renewable two-year work permits.

Advocates emphasize that the policy has delivered proven economic, social, and humanitarian benefits to the United States.

Activists Demand Immediate Protection

“DACA has been an undeniable economic and moral success, but today it is under serious threat,” warned Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us.

He added that the American public needs to understand the gravity of the attacks against the program.

Advocates argue that persecuting DACA beneficiaries contradicts the very spirit of the program and erodes trust within immigrant communities.

Democratic lawmakers also joined in criticizing DHS for what they see as unlawful targeting.

Uncertain Future for Beneficiaries

Reports indicate that dozens of young immigrants have been detained in recent weeks, which critics say reflects a policy of harassment.

Illinois Congresswoman Delia Ramírez urged her colleagues to demand immediate answers from DHS:

“Every member of Congress must show that dreamers are part of the fabric of our nation and demand accountability for these detentions.”

Civil groups warn that ICE is placing young people into deportation proceedings without regard to their protected status.