Labor Department Reports Sharp Increase in Child Labor Violations Amid Weakened Protections and Migrant Influx

Child labor violations increased 44% over the past 10 months, with over 4,470 children found working illegally.
Violations include children operating dangerous equipment like meat slicers and deep fryers.
The rise follows both weakened state child labor laws and a surge of unaccompanied minors entering the U.S.
Total fines on employers exceeded $6.6 million, but some say penalties remain too low to deter violations.
Lawmakers criticized the Health and Human Services secretary for failing to protect migrant children from exploitation.