DHS Faces Criticism Over Missing Migrant Children as Responsibility Debate Intensifies

Alejandro Mayorkas states child-trafficking prevention falls outside DHS jurisdiction, while incoming border czar Tom Homan vows to locate thousands of unaccounted minors.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that preventing child trafficking is beyond the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) jurisdiction once minors are transferred to Health and Human Services (HHS).
An audit revealed that over 32,000 unaccompanied minors missed immigration court hearings between 2019 and 2023, with many left untracked after leaving government custody.
Incoming border czar Tom Homan criticized Mayorkas, accusing his policies of contributing to the trafficking and exploitation of migrant children and pledging to locate over 340,000 missing minors.
Critics argue that inter-agency coordination between DHS and HHS is inadequate, leaving vulnerable children at risk of trafficking and exploitation after their release from custody.
The issue has reignited broader debates over U.S. immigration policy as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to implement sweeping reforms, including mass deportations and stricter border enforcement.