A recent audit by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General has revealed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) failed to monitor over 30,000 unaccompanied migrant children after their release from government custody.
According to Newsweek, the audit covering 2019 to 2023 exposed substantial gaps in ICE's tracking procedures.
During this time, ICE transferred more than 448,000 unaccompanied children to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) but struggled to keep tabs on many after their release from HHS custody.
The audit found that more than 32,000 children failed to appear for scheduled immigration court hearings, with ICE unable to account for their whereabouts. Inspector General Joseph Cuffari's report warned of potential dangers, including trafficking, exploitation, or forced labor.
The audit also revealed that ICE failed to serve Notices to Appear (NTAs) on 291,000 children, leaving them without scheduled court dates and outside the formal immigration process.
The report identified several systemic issues contributing to ICE's inability to effectively monitor these unaccompanied minors.
A primary problem is the lack of automated processes for sharing critical information both internally and externally with HHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Resource limitations were also cited as a significant factor in ICE's difficulties. The sheer volume of cases, combined with inadequate staffing and technological resources, has overwhelmed the agency's capacity to effectively monitor each child's case.
The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) issued new guidance in December 2023 to address these concerns. However, the report notes that ICE did little to ensure that field offices implemented these new procedures effectively.
The Inspector General stated that ICE has started "a new formal process" to locate these children, as per his recommendation. Cuffari's office is now awaiting evidence that ICE's new process has been put into action.
ICE's response, included in the report, indicates that the agency is exploring options for implementing automation changes. The agency stated:
Once identified, options will be briefed to ICE leadership to decide whether to pursue implementing an automated system given competing mission priorities and demands, as well as the availability of resources and funding.
In conclusion, the Department of Homeland Security's audit has exposed significant gaps in ICE's ability to monitor and track unaccompanied migrant children after their release from government custody.
With over 30,000 children unaccounted for and potential risks of trafficking and exploitation, the report highlights an urgent need for improved processes and resources. ICE has acknowledged these issues and is exploring solutions, but the effectiveness of these efforts remains to be seen.
