The Urgent Issue of Unaccompanied Minors Released into the U.S. by the Biden-Harris Administration
By Bethany Blankley (The Center Square)
The Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently issued a management alert to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding a critical issue: the inability of ICE to monitor the whereabouts of hundreds of thousands of unaccompanied children (UACs) released into the country by the Biden-Harris administration.
The alert highlighted the fact that ICE lacks the capability to track the location and status of UACs once they are released from DHS and HHS custody, raising concerns about their safety from trafficking, exploitation, or forced labor.
In response to this alarming revelation, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley requested further information from HHS regarding UAC oversight, emphasizing the grave danger posed to migrant children due to lax vetting and the challenges in locating them after placement.
The DHS OIG report unveiled that ICE not only struggles to monitor the location and status of all UACs but also fails to initiate necessary removal proceedings. Over the past few fiscal years, ICE transferred a significant number of UACs to the care of HHS, with a concerning percentage not receiving notices to appear before an immigration judge, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.
Most of the UACs were transferred during the Biden-Harris administration, underscoring the scale of the issue that has emerged in recent years. The report also highlighted the failure of ICE to issue NTAs for UACs flagged for removal, significantly affecting their legal status.
Moreover, the report revealed that ICE agents did not issue NTAs for all UACs designated for removal, as mandated by federal law. This lack of oversight and accountability has resulted in a large number of UACs being unaccounted for, posing serious risks of trafficking and exploitation.
The findings also indicated a systemic problem within federal agencies in scheduling immigration court dates, leading to numerous cases being dismissed due to administrative errors. This recurring issue has further exacerbated the challenges in tracking and managing UACs within the immigration system.
It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address the safety and well-being of UACs, ensuring that they are not left vulnerable to exploitation or abuse. Efforts to enhance oversight and coordination among various agencies are crucial in safeguarding the rights and welfare of these vulnerable children.
Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.
