During a recent interview on Face The Nation, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas faced tough questions from host Margaret Brennan regarding the tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in recent years. Brennan highlighted the staggering figure of 32,000 unaccompanied children entering the country between 2019 and 2023, raising concerns about their safety and vulnerability to exploitation.
Mayorkas, while addressing the issue, asserted that child trafficking is a matter of grave concern but suggested that it is not solely the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He emphasized the role of other federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in handling the welfare of unaccompanied minors.
“Of course, we investigate cases of trafficking, but there are children who are reunited with a parent here in the United States or a legal guardian, and they move and sometimes the government loses track,” Mayorkas said.
“Individuals do not comply with the reporting obligations or otherwise, I think it is inaccurate to say that all of them are trafficked or victimized. There are a number of reasons why we might lose track of an individual that is not necessarily specific to this administration.”
Tom Homan, who has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as his border czar, strongly criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the border crisis. Homan claimed that many of these children are falling victim to trafficking and exploitation by criminal organizations, underscoring the urgent need for stronger border enforcement and coordinated action to address the issue.
The discussion has reignited debates over border policies and the roles of various government agencies in safeguarding vulnerable children.
