U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the creation of a new National Call Center in Nashville and Tennessee. The facility is being developed to support efforts in locating unaccompanied migrant children who may be subject to removal from the United States.
The call center is expected to handle between 6,000 and 7,000 calls each day. These calls will involve inquiries and tips related to the whereabouts of migrant children who entered the country without guardians and may have missed immigration court dates or violated immigration laws.
Purpose and Scope of the Operation
The primary objective of the call center will be to assist ICE officers and local authorities in tracking down unaccompanied minors. These children may have been released into the custody of sponsors or family members while awaiting immigration proceedings.
Operational Details and Timeline
The contracting notice indicated that the call center is being developed under an “immediate need.” The facility will be staffed by personnel trained to handle sensitive information and to communicate with law enforcement agencies. The center is expected to become operational in the coming months, although a specific launch date has not been disclosed.
The call center will not only focus on unaccompanied minors but may also assist in tracking other immigration offenders. This expanded scope has been described in internal documents as part of a comprehensive enforcement approach.