Washington, July 9 (RHC)-- A newly obtained U.S. government document reveals that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been instructed to ask migrants to choose one of two options: Leave without your children, or take them, too.
They read a form for the undocumented immigrants, who have previously separated from their kids, asking them whether they want their children or not, NBC News reports.
"I am requesting to reunite with my child(ren) for the purpose of repatriation to my country of citizenship" or "I am affirmatively, knowingly, and voluntarily requesting to return to my country of citizenship without my minor child(ren) who I understand will remain in the United States to pursue available claims of relief."
Many migrant children remain separated from their parents or guardians despite U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order in June to halt the practice under pressure,
The Trump administration has been under criticism over its "zero tolerance" immigration policy. Nationwide protests have been held to decry Trump's crackdown. His policy is disapproved by more than half of American voters surveyed by Quinnipiac University. Only 39 percent said they approve of Trump's crackdown on immigration, while 58 percent said they disapprove, according to the poll released Tuesday.
Meanwhile, it is being reported that all immigrants entering detention facilities belonging to ICE are strip-searched. "I really wish I could tell you I'm surprised by this, but I'm not," Nebraska GOP executive director Kenny Zoeller said.
"We understand how frightening it is right now to be working in politics where people are resorting to violence, racism and other divisive rhetoric," Democratic chairwoman Jane Kleeb said in the statement.
Democrats and rights activists have stepped up calls to abolish ICE, described as a deportation force.