Six-Year-Old Separated From Father in ICE Custody, Sparking Outrage

New York, NY – December 3, 2025 – The whereabouts of a six-year-old boy, Yuanxin, remain unknown after he was allegedly separated from his father, Fei Zheng, while both were in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York City last week. The case has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with incoming New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and US Representative Nydia Velazquez demanding answers.

According to officials, Yuanxin and his father were taken into custody during a “routine check-in” with ICE on November 26th. mamdani stated on social media that the first grader was “arrested and separated” from his father and is now being held in an undisclosed location. “Now he’s in custody,alone. ICE won’t say where. This cruelty serves no one. It must end,” he added.

Representative Velazquez echoed these concerns, stating that ICE “tore 6-year-old Yuanxin from his father” at 26 Federal Plaza and is refusing to disclose the child’s location. She further revealed that ICE arrested 151 children between January and October, adding, “They are tearing families apart and traumatising kids. My heart is with this family. We need answers now.”

The case comes amid growing anxieties within Asian communities across the US regarding increased anti-immigrant operations, as highlighted in a recent South China Morning Post report (see video below).

[Embedded Video: Widespread anti-immigrant operations spark fear in Asian communities across the US – 08:08]

This incident is highly likely to fuel further debate surrounding ICE’s detention practices and the impact of immigration enforcement on families.Authorities have yet to comment on the specific details of Yuanxin and Fei Zheng’s case, leaving the family and advocates desperately seeking facts and reunification. The story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

How might the trauma of family separation, as documented in studies, manifest in Yuanxin’s well-being if he is found?

Vanished 6-Year-Old: The Mystery Surrounding Yuanxin’s Whereabouts After ICE Detention

The Disappearance and Initial ICE involvement

The case of Yuanxin, a six-year-old boy, has gripped the nation, sparking outrage and demanding answers. Yuanxin vanished shortly after his mother, Ji Long, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine check-in in July 2023.This case highlights the complex and often devastating consequences of immigration enforcement on families, particularly vulnerable children. The initial reports indicated that Yuanxin was left in the care of a family friend while his mother was taken into custody. However, that friend claims to have had no further contact after a brief handover.

Key search terms related to this phase include: missing child, ICE detention, family separation, immigration enforcement, child welfare.

Timeline of Events: From Detention to Disappearance

Understanding the sequence of events is crucial to unraveling this mystery.

1. July 12, 2023: Ji Long attends a scheduled check-in with ICE in Phoenix, Arizona. She is unexpectedly detained.
2. July 12, 2023 (Afternoon): Yuanxin is reportedly handed over to a family acquaintance, identified as Ms. Li, by Ms. Long. Ms. Li states she was only meant to provide temporary care.
3. July 13, 2023: Ms. Li attempts to contact Ms.Long regarding Yuanxin’s long-term care but is unable to reach her.
4. July 15, 2023: Ms. Li reports yuanxin missing to the Phoenix Police Department.
5. ongoing: Extensive searches by law enforcement and volunteer groups yield no results. ICE maintains they followed protocol.

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ICE’s Role and Controversies Surrounding the Case

ICE maintains that Ms. Long was informed of her responsibility to arrange for Yuanxin’s care prior to her detention. However, advocates and legal experts question whether ICE adequately assessed the situation and ensured yuanxin’s safety. Concerns have been raised about the lack of a comprehensive welfare check following Ms. Long’s arrest. The agency’s policies regarding the detention of parents and the subsequent care of their children are under intense scrutiny.

* Lack of Interaction: Critics point to a breakdown in communication between ICE and Ms. Long regarding her son’s well-being.

* Insufficient Vetting: Questions remain about whether Ms. li was properly vetted as a caregiver.

* Policy Gaps: The case exposes potential gaps in ICE’s policies regarding family separation and child welfare.

Relevant search terms: ICE family separation policy, immigration and child welfare, ICE detention protocols, Yuanxin case investigation, ICE accountability.

The Search Efforts and Current Status

The search for Yuanxin has been a multi-agency effort, involving the Phoenix Police Department, the FBI, and numerous volunteer organizations. Despite extensive ground searches, media appeals, and the offering of a reward for data, Yuanxin remains missing. The case has garnered national attention, with advocacy groups demanding a thorough and transparent investigation.

* Flyer Distribution: Thousands of flyers with Yuanxin’s picture have been distributed throughout the Phoenix area.

* Social Media Campaigns: Online campaigns using hashtags like #FindYuanxin have raised awareness and mobilized volunteers.

* FBI Involvement: The FBI joined the investigation in August 2023, indicating the seriousness of the case.

Keywords: Find Yuanxin, missing persons investigation, FBI search, child abduction, Phoenix Police Department.

Legal Battles and Advocacy Group Involvement

Several legal organizations are representing Ms. Long, seeking information about her son’s whereabouts and challenging the legality of her detention. Advocacy groups are pushing for legislative reforms to protect children from the harmful effects of immigration enforcement. They argue that ICE’s policies prioritize deportation over family unity and child welfare.

* ACLU Involvement: the American civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is providing legal support to Ms. Long.

* Immigrant Rights Groups: Organizations like RAICES and CASA are advocating for policy changes to prevent similar cases.

* Legislative Efforts: Calls for congressional hearings and new legislation are growing.

Related terms: immigration legal aid,ACLU immigration case,RAICES advocacy,child immigration rights,immigration reform.

similar Cases and the Broader Impact of Family Separation

Yuanxin’s disappearance is not an isolated incident. Numerous cases have documented the devastating consequences of family separation due to immigration enforcement. The trauma experienced by children separated from their parents can have long-lasting psychological and emotional effects. This case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of restrictive immigration policies.

* the 2018 zero Tolerance Policy: The Trump management’s “zero tolerance” policy led to the separation of thousands of children from their parents at the border.

* Long-Term Trauma: studies have shown that children separated from their parents experience increased rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

* Difficulty in Reunification: Reuniting separated families can be a complex and challenging process.

Keywords: immigration trauma,family separation effects,*