NEW: An unaccompanied minor held in an NYC shelter was set to be reunited with his sponsor in March, but was halted by the federal government, which issued a policy barring children in NY from release. He turns 18 tomorrow; when kids turn 18 they're transferred to ICE detention.

We obtained the policy sent by field specialist Gabriela Pragman 12 days ago telling NY providers that they couldn't release any children. Includes children who'd been medically cleared as well as children who are about to age out into ICE custody. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6818944-Pragman-Email-3-25-20.html

This child, originally from Guatamala, was all set to go but remained detained by the federal government, which wouldn't release him to his family but was making plans to release him to ICE. Oh, and he's in @AOC's district; I contacted her office about this but never heard back.

I can confirm today that, after going back and forth with the federal refugee agency about this last week, he's been released to his family today. I'm not sure what would have happened had I not found out about this case and started asking questions.

The federal refugee agency, ORR, has also told providers in New York that they can resume family reunifications. The child I'm tweeting about wasn't the only one released today. This marks a big shift in policy and practice during the Coronavirus pandemic.

To be clear, taking a child into ICE custody on the morning he turns 18 constitutes ICE enforcement. Would be interested to hear what New York officials and politicians like @AOC have to say about this, happening to the youngest of their constituents living in the Bronx.