Trump admin tackles unaccompanied minors crisis as border crossings plummet

A retired Border Patrol chief who was appointed to advise on immigration issues related to unaccompanied minors and refugees for the Trump administration’s first 100 days has revealed shocking information about the fraudulent practices surrounding sponsors for these vulnerable children. Chris Clem, who has nearly three decades of experience with Customs and Border Protection, stated that around 70% of sponsors’ applications were found to be fraudulent.

Clem explained that the influx of nearly 470,000 unaccompanied children crossing into the United States over the last four years overwhelmed a system that was initially designed to protect the well-being and welfare of children. Unfortunately, due to broken policies and practices, children were being placed with sponsors who were unvetted, improperly vetted, or even criminals themselves.

During his time working with President Donald Trump’s Health and Human Services Department, Clem focused on improving the vetting process of documentation from sponsors offering to take in unaccompanied minors. He also highlighted the need to identify and apprehend criminals who provided fake documentation to become sponsors.

One disturbing example Clem shared was a case where a sponsor in Ohio claimed to be the adult brother of a 14-year-old female, but was ultimately arrested for raping and impregnating the young girl. Despite the federal government’s decision not to pursue fraud charges, state prosecutors were able to indict the suspect for trafficking, fraud, and lying to federal agents.

Clem emphasized that there are thousands of similar cases where unaccompanied minors faced assault and abuse due to fraudulent sponsor applications. He conducted an internal investigation that revealed the alarming rate of fraudulent applications, with approximately 70% being deemed invalid or incorrect.

While addressing these issues can be distressing, Clem praised the efforts of various departments within the Trump administration in combatting illegal activities resulting from an unsecured border. Additionally, there has been a significant improvement in border security, with a notable decrease in apprehensions at the southern border compared to previous years.

Despite the challenges, Clem expressed confidence in the Border Patrol agents’ ability to protect America and uphold the law. He also issued a stern warning to officials who are complicit in aiding illegal immigration, stating that the U.S. government will not hesitate to take action against anyone facilitating such activities.

Overall, Clem’s insights shed light on the critical need for reform and enforcement in addressing the complex issues surrounding unaccompanied minors and refugees. By implementing stricter vetting processes and cracking down on fraudulent practices, the Trump administration aims to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable populations.