Abuse, pregnancy and labor exploitation: ICE reveals the grim reality of unaccompanied minors

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released a report in which it revealed the reality experienced by unaccompanied minors who were handed over to sponsors in the United States without proper vetting.

The document, the result of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiative, explained that in the last four years, the country experienced a record increase in the number of unaccompanied alien minors crossing the Southern Border.

In this regard, the agency detailed that some of the sponsors had paid smugglers to bring them into the country or had declared fraudulent family relationships. As a result, many minors were subjected to physical abuse and sexual and labor exploitation.

Since the initiative's inception, agents have identified cases of abuse and exploitation. Also, sponsors have been found in possession of child sexual abuse material, forcing minors to work and keeping them in living conditions that represent neglect.

The agency also noted that several sponsors were found to be involved in serious crimes, such as hit-and-run, aggravated assault, robbery, forgery, drug trafficking, prostitution and even attempted murder.

"In some of the most alarming cases, girls were pregnant with children of their alleged sponsors, highlighting the serious shortcomings of prior investigative procedures and the dangerous consequences of placing minors in unsafe environments," ICE highlighted.

Welfare Checks

To ensure the welfare of unaccompanied alien children, special agents from ICE's Office of Homeland Security Investigations have conducted welfare checks. These visits are intended to verify that the children are receiving the necessary care, attending school, following the appropriate immigration processes and, most importantly, that they are not victims of trafficking, abuse or exploitation.

ICE indicated that welfare checks are not primarily focused on immigration control. However, if ICE agents or officers encounter individuals who are in the United States without authorization, they detain and process them for removal in accordance with federal immigration laws.

Likewise, unaccompanied children who are in the United States without authorization are transferred to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

"DHS takes seriously its responsibility to protect children. Parents who are in the country illegally can take control of their departure. Through the CBP Home app, the Trump Administration is offering parents who are in the country illegally the opportunity to take full control of their departure and self-deport without losing the ability to return legally and correctly to live the American Dream. The app is free and available for all mobile devices," ICE said.