Biden-Harris border policies are facing scrutiny as child sex trafficking cases surge in the United States, raising concerns about the safety of migrant youth.
At a Glance
- Human trafficking arrests increased by 50% and convictions by 80% in the last fiscal year
- Over 150,000 unaccompanied alien children (UACs) crossed into the U.S. last year
- 72% of trafficked individuals in the U.S. are immigrants, most of whom are illegal
- The Biden administration has lost contact with more than 85,000 migrant children released to poorly vetted adult sponsors
- An estimated 60% of Latin American children crossing the border alone or with smugglers are caught by cartels and abused
The Rising Tide of Child Trafficking
Human trafficking, a global issue generating $150 billion in illegal profits, has seen a dramatic increase in the United States since 2020. The Department of Health and Human Services has issued numerous Certification and Eligibility Letters to victims, indicating a steep rise in trafficking incidents. This surge has been linked to border policies enacted under the Biden-Harris administration, which critics argue have inadvertently aided criminal networks in exploiting children.
The situation has become so dire that human trafficking arrests increased by 50% and convictions by 80% in the last fiscal year. What’s more alarming is that 72% of trafficked individuals in the U.S. are immigrants, most of whom are in the country illegally. These statistics paint a grim picture of the consequences of what some perceive as overly lenient border policies.
Unaccompanied Minors at Risk
One of the most vulnerable groups in this crisis is unaccompanied alien children (UACs). Over 150,000 UACs crossed into the U.S. last year, with numbers increasing under the Biden administration. The policies in place, particularly Section 235 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, have been criticized for inadvertently increasing UAC numbers by offering special accommodations.
This quote from a New York Post article underscores the lack of oversight in the current system. The demand for sponsors for UACs has increased, leading to lowered vetting standards and more children falling into dangerous situations. Reports indicate that the Biden administration has lost contact with more than 85,000 migrant children released to poorly vetted adult sponsors.
Policy Changes and Their Impact
The Biden administration’s approach to border security has been a point of contention. The ending of the Trump-era DNA testing program for familial units, which was effective in identifying potential trafficking situations, has been criticized. The current National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking has been faulted for lacking focus on border security.
Law enforcement reports a spike in trafficking incidents, with 2.2 million migrants apprehended in fiscal year 2022. Overwhelmed border agents are instructed to quickly process and release large groups of migrants, hindering proper vetting and detection of trafficking. This rush to release, particularly in the case of minors, has prioritized speed over thorough vetting of situations and sponsors.
The Human Cost
The human cost of these policies is staggering. An estimated 60% of Latin American children crossing the border alone or with smugglers are caught by cartels and abused in child pornography or drug trafficking. Traffickers exploit migrants by promising jobs but instead subject them to servitude, sex trafficking, and extortion. Minors in shelters are vulnerable to gang involvement and sexual exploitation.
As the debate over border policies continues, the safety and well-being of migrant children hang in the balance. The current situation calls for a reevaluation of border control measures and asylum processes to ensure the protection of these vulnerable young lives from exploitation and abuse.
