The Reddit thread reflects confusion and distress among community members about how to respond when immigration enforcement affects children. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Unverified posts shared on Reddit on Tuesday describe a distressed undocumented minor seeking help after immigration agents allegedly detained her mother, raising questions about how bystanders should respond when a child is left without a guardian.
The original post states that a young girl arrived at the poster’s workplace “crying and speaking Spanish.” An employee who spoke Spanish learned that “ICE had taken her mother (undocumented), but left her,” according to the post.
“She had no idea where to go or what to do,” the poster wrote. “So she was given help by the employees to get to the airport to ‘turn herself in’ in the hopes of being reunited with her mother (her idea).”
The poster said the employee who translated “went home in tears.”
The post says the author shared the account to alert others and to ask whether different actions might have helped.
“I’m mostly posting this as an FYI,” the post states, “but am also wondering if there was something different or more they could have done/we can do in the future.”
The author also said they plan to speak with management and their union about employee rights during interactions with immigration agents.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations have been ongoing in Washington state, with several facilities in Whatcom county where the incident occured.
Commenter describes airport encounter
A second Reddit user later claimed they may have seen the same girl at the airport. The commenter described a failed attempt to leave the country.
“So, if this is the girl I think it is, I saw her at the airport,” the commenter wrote. “She didn’t have the proper documents to self-deport though, so she was sent away.”
The commenter said airport workers tried to help but lacked clear guidance.
“She was really lost in the process and the workers there did what they could to help her out,” the comment states. “They were trying to let her know to go to the CBP app.”
According to the comment, the girl left the airport without boarding a flight after staff showed her the website and suggested she contact an immigration lawyer.
“She left the airport either way cause she couldn’t self-deport,” the commenter wrote.
No official confirmation
No agency has confirmed the incident. The posts include no names, arrest locations, or documents that would allow independent verification.
The original poster said they shared all the information they had and withheld location details intentionally.
“I wish I had more info to give,” the poster wrote. “Staff this morning wasn’t even able to get any names.”
The poster added that they did not intend to be vague and said they shared the post to gather resources for the future.
“I did not post this to be cryptic or intentionally vague,” the post states.
If this situation occurs, here’s what you need to know
Even though the claims remain unverified, legal aid guidance consistently stresses child safety first.
What to do
- Treat the situation as a child-in-crisis issue.
- Keep the child supervised and safe.
- Collect basic information if possible, including names and phone numbers.
- Contact a qualified immigration legal aid organization.
- Contact emergency services or child welfare authorities if no guardian can be identified and safety is at risk.
What not to do
- Do not take a minor to an airport, border crossing, or law enforcement office to resolve the situation.
- Do not attempt to manage immigration apps or legal processes for a child.
- Do not give legal advice without proper qualifications.
Immigration processes such as voluntary departure require formal steps and documentation. People cannot resolve them informally at an airport.
Why the posts drew attention
The Reddit thread reflects confusion and distress among community members about how to respond when immigration enforcement affects children.
“I really appreciate everyone’s concerns,” the original poster wrote. “I hope you can understand my caution.”
Whether the incident occurred as described remains unclear. The discussion highlights the need for clear guidance when minors appear alone after a parent’s detention.
Immediate Help if a Child Is Left Without a Parent After an Immigration Arrest
Call first if the child has no safe guardian
| Organization | When to Call | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 911 (Emergency Services) | Child is alone, distressed, or unsafe right now | 911 |
| Washington Department of Children, Youth & Families – Child Abuse & Neglect Intake | Minor has no parent or legal guardian available | 1-866-ENDHARM (1-866-363-4276) |
| Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (Non-Emergency) | Welfare check or immediate safety coordination | 360-778-6600 |
Important: Calling DCYF or 911 is about child safety, not immigration enforcement.
Immigration detention & legal help (as soon as the child is safe)
| Organization | What They Help With | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Immigrant Rights Project | Find detained parents, legal guidance, next steps | 1-800-445-5771 |
| Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) Deportation Defense Hotline | Rapid response, legal referrals, detention help | 1-844-724-3737 |
| ACLU of Washington | Know-your-rights guidance, documentation | 206-624-2184 |
What not to do
- Do not take a minor to an airport, border crossing, ICE office, or police station to “turn them in.”
- Do not attempt to use immigration apps or arrange travel for a child.
- Do not give legal advice unless you are qualified.
Again, immigration processes such as voluntary departure require formal steps and documentation. People cannot resolve them informally at an airport.
What matters most
- Keep the child safe and supervised
- Call DCYF or 911 if no guardian is present
- Call immigration legal aid
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