The new initiative expands cooperation with state and local agencies to check on minors placed with sponsors across the U.S.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a nationwide effort to conduct welfare checks on unaccompanied children (UAC) who entered the country without a parent or guardian. Working with state and local 287(g) law enforcement partners, ICE says the UAC Safety Verification Initiative seeks to identify children who may be at risk of abuse, exploitation, or unsafe living situations.
“Secretary Noem is leading efforts to rescue and stop the exploitation of the 450,000 unaccompanied children,“ said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Many of the children who came across the border unaccompanied were allowed to be placed with sponsors who were smugglers and sex traffickers. The Trump administration has located more than 24,400 of these children in-person, in the United States, through visits and door knocks.”
She continued, “We’ve jumpstarted our efforts to rescue children who were victims of sex and labor trafficking by working with our state and local law enforcement partners to locate these children.“
Officials say the initiative reflects a multi-agency approach to ensuring the safety of children placed with sponsors and to addressing cases where criminal activity may endanger them.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- That federal, state, and local officials, including those working within ICE and participating law enforcement agencies, as they conduct welfare checks and handle sensitive child-safety cases.
- For the safety and well-being of the unaccompanied children involved, and for all efforts directed at protecting them from harm.
Sources: Department of Homeland Security, Townhall
