Palmetto State News

Attorney General Alan Wilson, along with a coalition of 22 state attorneys general, has demanded answers from the Biden administration regarding the trafficking of migrant children. Wilson expressed his concerns over the issue, stating, “This is yet another tragic example of how out-of-control our southern border is. Human trafficking is horrible. Trafficking of children is even far more horrendous.”

The attorneys general are calling on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and FBI Director Christopher Wray to address a recent report issued by the HHS Office of Inspector General. The report revealed that unaccompanied migrant children in federal custody are being released into unsafe situations, including human trafficking.

Citing a New York Times report from February 2023, the attorneys general highlighted that the Biden administration has admitted it cannot locate 85,000 migrant children for whom it is responsible. Many of these children have been subjected to forced labor under dangerous conditions, with some being victims of sex trafficking.

The attorneys general also pointed out that the federal government has released these minors without conducting proper safety checks, leading to instances where children were placed in hazardous situations. The HHS’ Office of Inspector General confirmed these issues in a recent report, stating that more than one-third of children’s case files were flagged with safety concerns.

Senator Chuck Grassley had previously raised concerns about this issue but has not received a response from the Department of Homeland Security. In response, the attorneys general are demanding that the administration address these reports by May 1, 2024. They emphasized the importance of identifying missing children and vetting potential sponsors to ensure their safety.

Attorneys general from various states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, and Virginia, have joined Wilson in sending the letter to the Biden administration. They are committed to enforcing state and federal laws and fighting against human trafficking, particularly when it involves vulnerable children.