The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised serious concerns over the treatment of migrants and refugees in the United States, warning that aggressive immigration enforcement operations are leading to widespread fear, family separations and potential violations of fundamental rights.

In a statement released on Friday, UN human rights chief Volker Türk said individuals suspected of being undocumented migrants are increasingly being targeted in large-scale federal enforcement actions carried out in everyday locations.

Raids Reported In Hospitals, Schools And Homes

According to the UN rights office, surveillance, arrests and detentions have been reported in a wide range of public and private settings, including hospitals, schools, courthouses, markets, places of worship and private homes.

Türk said some of the operations have involved the use of force, leaving many communities feeling intimidated and vulnerable.

“I am astounded by the now-routine abuse and denigration of migrants and refugees,” he said.

The climate of fear created by such enforcement actions is affecting families and children in particular. In some cases, children have reportedly missed school or medical appointments because parents fear they may be detained during routine activities.

Concerns Over Arbitrary Arrests

The UN rights chief warned that several migration policies currently being implemented could result in arbitrary or unlawful arrests and detentions.

He also raised concerns that immigration enforcement decisions may be made without sufficient individual assessments of each person’s situation.

In the United States, immigration enforcement is primarily handled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a federal agency responsible for identifying, arresting and deporting individuals believed to be in violation of immigration laws.

Türk acknowledged that governments have the right to regulate migration and enforce national laws. However, he stressed that such powers must be exercised in accordance with legal standards and due process.

“Failure to respect due process risks eroding public trust, weakening institutional legitimacy and violating individuals’ rights,” he said.

Deadly Incident Raises Alarm

Türk also criticised the increasing use of large-scale enforcement operations, warning that force used in such actions may sometimes be unnecessary or disproportionate.

He referred to an incident on January 7, 2026, when a woman was fatally shot during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Under international law, the UN official noted, lethal force should only be used as a last resort when there is an imminent threat to life.

Families Separated By Detention Practices

The High Commissioner highlighted the human impact of current immigration practices, particularly on families.

He cited cases in which parents were detained or transferred between detention facilities without relatives being informed of their whereabouts. In some instances, families reportedly struggled to maintain contact or obtain legal representation.

“I call on the administration to end practices that are tearing apart families,” Türk said.

He also urged US authorities to conduct independent and transparent investigations into deaths reported in immigration detention facilities.

At least 30 deaths were recorded in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody last year, with six additional deaths reported so far this year.

Warning Over Anti-Migrant Rhetoric

Beyond enforcement actions, Türk expressed concern about what he described as increasingly hostile language directed at migrants and refugees in political discourse.

He warned that such rhetoric risks fueling xenophobia and violence against immigrant communities.

“I call on leaders at all levels in the US to halt the use of scapegoating tactics that seek to distract and divide,” he said.

According to the UN official, portraying migrants collectively as criminals or threats based solely on nationality or immigration status undermines fundamental human rights principles.

Migrants’ Contributions Highlighted

Despite his criticism, Türk also acknowledged the efforts of public officials, civil society organisations and community groups across the United States who are working to protect the rights and dignity of migrants.

He emphasised that the country’s history has been profoundly shaped by migration and the contributions of people from around the world.

“Demonising migrants and refugees collectively as criminals, threats or burdens on society is inhuman and wrong,” he said, adding that such narratives run counter to the values on which the nation was built.