US Border Authorities Rescue 62,000 Children Suspected in Human Trafficking Networks Under Trump Administration

In a significant development regarding child welfare along the U.S. border, White House border czar Tom Homan has reported that federal agencies under President Donald Trump have rescued over 62,000 minors linked to suspected human trafficking activities since February 2021.

Homan made these statements during an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” addressing a sharp increase in the number of unaccompanied children crossing into the United States. According to recent data from the Department of Homeland Security inspector general, nearly 291,000 minors had not received immigration court notices by May 2024. Additionally, approximately 32,000 were reported as missing or having missed scheduled court hearings during that period.

While the watchdog report did not explicitly state these children were definitively “missing,” it highlighted a critical issue: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lacked adequate systems to track their locations and manage associated risks effectively. Homan praised President Trump’s administration, noting its immediate and aggressive approach in addressing this crisis.

“President Trump committed on day one that we will do everything we can to find every child involved,” said Homan, emphasizing the administration’s focus on locating children released into care systems who subsequently disappeared from contact or were flagged for potential criminal exploitation. The administration initiated joint federal operations specifically targeting such cases.

Furthermore, investigators uncovered a substantial backlog of reports concerning child safety and neglect, including those related to trafficking suspicions. “We know many are involved in sex trafficking; others in forced labor, and many suffer abuse,” Homan stated without providing specific case details due to privacy concerns. These investigations have now been reactivated under the current administration.

The 62,000 figure underscores a major operation against human trafficking networks at the border since President Trump took office two years ago.