• A 12-year-old girl who was allegedly abused and tortured while held captive escaped after entering the U.S. from Honduras in 2014
• The girl was released to a distant uncle who allegedly sexually abused her before two sisters took custody
• Brenda Garcia, 38, and Tania Garcia, 37, Montgomery County residents, are accused of continuing the abuse and holding her captive

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (TDR) — A 12-year-old girl who was allegedly abused and tortured while held captive before her escape entered the United States as an unaccompanied minor from Honduras, according to federal officials familiar with the case.

A U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) official told Fox News that the girl came into the U.S. under the Obama administration in June 2014. The revelation raises questions about oversight and follow-up procedures for unaccompanied minors placed with sponsors in the United States.

Placement with distant relative

The girl was released to a distant uncle while her mother remained living in Honduras, according to authorities. The uncle allegedly began sexually abusing the child shortly after she was placed in his care, marking the beginning of years of alleged exploitation and mistreatment.

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Federal guidelines require HHS to place unaccompanied minors with suitable sponsors who can provide safe housing, typically family members. However, the system has faced criticism for inadequate vetting and limited post-placement monitoring of children’s welfare.

Sisters accused of continued abuse

The girl was later taken in by two sisters — Brenda Garcia, 38, and Tania Garcia, 37, both Montgomery County residents who allegedly continued the pattern of abuse that began with her uncle. Prosecutors say the sisters held the child captive and subjected her to torture.

The girl’s escape ended years of alleged abuse that began shortly after she arrived in the United States seeking safety.

Details about how the girl escaped or who discovered her situation have not been publicly released. Montgomery County authorities are investigating the full extent of the alleged abuse and whether additional individuals were aware of the child’s circumstances.

Systemic concerns emerge

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The case highlights ongoing concerns about the U.S. system for unaccompanied minors, particularly regarding post-placement oversight. Critics argue that HHS lacks sufficient resources to conduct thorough follow-up visits and ensure children placed with sponsors remain safe.

Between 2014 and 2024, tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors from Central America entered the United States, fleeing violence and poverty. Many were released to family members or sponsors while awaiting immigration proceedings, with varying levels of supervision.

Both Brenda Garcia and Tania Garcia are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The charges they face have not been detailed in available court documents, though cases involving child abuse and captivity typically result in serious felony charges carrying lengthy prison sentences.

Victim now safe

The 12-year-old victim is now safe and receiving appropriate care, according to sources familiar with the case. Child welfare officials are working to determine the best long-term placement for the girl, who has endured trauma since shortly after arriving in the United States a decade ago.

The Montgomery County investigation continues as prosecutors build their case against the accused. Authorities are examining whether systemic failures in the unaccompanied minor program contributed to the years of alleged abuse going undetected.

Should the federal government implement mandatory regular check-ins for all unaccompanied minors placed with sponsors?

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