The Brief:

• Rep. Chip Roy urges HHS and DHS to keep records of Unaccompanied Alien Children (UACs) amid safety concerns, with 150,000 unaccounted for since January 2021.
• A DHS report reveals over 320,000 UACs missed immigration court notices, complicating contact post-HHS custody.
• Serious risks for UACs include exploitation and trafficking, with nearly 6,000 children in hazardous jobs in 2023 and poor follow-up checks on many released to sponsors.

In a significant move, Representative Chip Roy from Texas has raised concerns over the safety and whereabouts of a vast number of Unaccompanied Alien Children (UACs) who have seemingly vanished after being released into the U.S. by government agencies. The focus is sharply on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with Roy urging these bodies to ensure the preservation of all records related to the UACs dating back to January 20, 2021.

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Highlighting alarming figures, it's estimated that around 150,000 UACs are unaccounted for under HHS's watch since the onset of the Biden-Harris administration. This situation raises serious concerns about their welfare and safety. Adding another layer to this troubling scenario, an investigation by DHS's Office of Inspector General (OIG) revealed that more than 320,000 UACs did not receive notices for immigration court appearances from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), significantly hampering efforts to maintain contact once they exit HHS custody.

This revelation comes amid findings that suggest over 365,000 UACs were released into various parts of the United States between Fiscal Year 2021 and Fiscal Year 2023. Many of these children are now feared to be at risk of exploitation, trafficking, or forced labor due to lapses in follow-up communication from HHS and DHS.

Further underscoring these concerns, a report earlier this year by HHS's IG disclosed that in nearly a quarter of cases involving UACs released to sponsors in the U.S., essential follow-up checks were not adequately performed. Moreover, recent statistics from the Labor Department indicate a startling increase in child labor trafficking incidents within this vulnerable group—nearly 6,000 children found in hazardous employment conditions in 2023 alone.

As these issues come to light, demands for accountability and improved oversight grow louder, aiming to protect those who cannot advocate for themselves amidst complex immigration processes and policies.

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