Fact-check analysisVerified as of July 12, 2025Curated by FactVerify
False

ICE KIDNAPS AT LEAST 25 CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14 AND HAS TRANSPORTED THEM TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THEY WERE LAST SEEN CHAINED AT THE HANDS AND ANKLES AT THE FEDERAL BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN LA.

There is no credible evidence that ICE kidnapped at least 25 children under 14, chained them at hands and ankles, and transported them to an unknown location in downtown Los Angeles.

FactVerify

FactVerify

Source: factverify.com

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified July 12, 2025
  • No credible news or official reports document any incident where ICE kidnapped at least 25 children under 14 and chained them at a federal building in downtown LA. Multiple reputable sources discuss ICE detentions but do not support the claim's specific details.aclu.orgaclu.orgThe 'ICE Kids'

The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The claim can be broken down into several specific assertions: 1) ICE kidnapped at least 25 children under the age of 14, 2) these children were transported to an unknown location, and 3) they were last seen chained at the hands and ankles at a federal building in downtown Los Angeles. Extensive searches of credible news reports, official statements, and civil rights organizations' documentation reveal no verified reports or evidence supporting any of these components.

While ICE has detained minors and families in immigration enforcement actions, including some cases involving unaccompanied children or family separations, there is no substantiated information about children being chained or held in such a manner in downtown LA. Reports about ICE arrests in Los Angeles and elsewhere mention detentions and disappearances but do not corroborate the specific details of kidnapping children under 14 or chaining them physically.

Additionally, some sources note arrests of adults and teenagers with limited information on their whereabouts but do not confirm the claim's specifics. The mention of chained children appears to be unsubstantiated and likely fabricated or exaggerated.

Furthermore, there are warnings about ICE impersonators and misinformation circulating, which could contribute to false claims. Given the lack of credible evidence from high-reliability sources such as established news organizations, civil rights groups, and official statements, this claim is false.

Primary trail

Verified Sources3

‘Kidnapped’: families and lawyers desperate to contact LA workers arrested in...

theguardian.com
Open source

ICE Kidnappings Stoke Fear and Outrage Across Los Angeles

prospect.org
Open source
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