ICE Loses Track of 320,000 Migrant Children

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General has reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lost track of over 320,000 unaccompanied migrant children who were transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) between 2019 and 2023. Among them, 291,000 have not been issued immigration court summonses, and 32,000 who received notices to appear failed to show up. These lapses have raised concerns over the children's safety, with potential risks including trafficking and forced labor. The Biden administration's relaxed vetting processes for sponsors have further exacerbated the issue. Inspector General Joseph Cuffari has called for immediate action to improve oversight and ensure the children's safety.