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NewsThe GuardianMay 2, 2026United States

ICE Hires Private Security Firm for Immigrant Child Welfare Checks

ICE has contracted MVM Inc., a private security firm currently facing a federal lawsuit over past allegations of mistreatment, to assist in locating and performing wellness checks on unaccompanied immigrant children. While ICE describes the program as a safety initiative, critics argue the operations are intended to facilitate deportations and criminal investigations.

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Why It Matters

The federal government has outsourced the tracking of unaccompanied immigrant children to a private contractor, MVM Inc., for a one-year period, raising concerns about the oversight and methods used to locate minors released to sponsors.

Key Facts

  • ICE awarded a one-year contract to MVM Inc. to assist in locating and conducting wellness checks on unaccompanied immigrant children.
  • The contract amount and the specific number of wellness checks to be performed are redacted in public documents.
  • MVM Inc. is currently a defendant in a federal lawsuit alleging torture, enforced disappearance, and cruel treatment related to past family separation policies.
  • In March 2025, a federal judge allowed the lawsuit against MVM Inc. to proceed regarding claims of torture and inhuman treatment.
  • ICE characterizes the program as the 'UAC Safety Verification Initiative' to ensure children are not being abused or exploited.
  • Critics, including the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, allege the program is used to identify children or sponsors for deportation and criminal prosecution.
  • Eighteen companies submitted bids for the contract; MVM was selected for its existing infrastructure and 'boots on the ground' capacity.
  • MVM Inc. was founded in the late 1970s by former Secret Service agents and has previously held contracts with the CIA and federal immigration agencies.
  • A 2024 Inspector General report cited understaffing and poor communication as the primary reasons for ICE's inability to track unaccompanied minors, rather than trafficking.

Who's Mentioned

organizationMVM Inc.“Private security contractor based in Ashburn, Virginia, hired to perform wellnes”personMichael Lukens“Executive director of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights.”personNeha Desai“Managing director of children’s human rights and dignity at the National Center ”organizationDHS“Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of ICE.”organizationICE“US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency awarding the contract.”