The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of the Inspector General believes the Biden-Harris government has lost track of potentially 291,000 unaccompanied children (UCs) who crossed into the U.S. illegally. Consequently, a management alert sent to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leadership from DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari states that the agency “must take immediate action to ensure the safety of UCs residing in the United States.”
“Based on our audit work and according to ICE officials, UCs who do not appear for court are considered at higher risk for trafficking, exploitation, or forced labor,” the Inspector General’s alert reads. Cuffari concerningly adds that while his office was able to identify over 32,000 instances of unaccompanied children who failed to appear for their immigration court dates, he believes that number may be much higher.
According to the Inspector General—which provides oversight for DHS and its sub-agencies—ICE has failed to issue Notices to Appear (NTAs) to 291,000 illegal immigrant minors for removal proceedings after their release from Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) custody as of May 2024. Additionally, Cuffari contends that by not issuing the NTAs, “ICE limits its chances of having contact with UCs when they are released from HHS’ custody, which reduces opportunities to verify their safety.”
“Without an ability to monitor the location and status of UCs, ICE has no assurance UCs are safe from trafficking, exploitation, or forced labor,” the Inspector General warns.
The National Pulse reported in July on government whistleblowers saying at least 85,000 children who crossed the U.S. border as unaccompanied minors are missing after being placed with sponsors. Testifying before a Senate panel, the whistleblowers asserted the children are often placed with individuals who are not their relatives and have exhibited evidence of abuse and trafficking.
