Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced the discovery of 146,000 missing migrant children who disappeared under the Biden administration. However, approximately 300,000 children remain unaccounted for. Mullin spoke at a press conference, attributing the disappearance of 450,000 children nationwide to the previous administration. He emphasized President Trump’s commitment to locating these children.
In related news, the Department of Justice (DOJ) charged three individuals in Ohio with conspiring to smuggle unaccompanied minors across the U.S. border. The charges target Maritza Azucena Cahuec Coc, 38, and her brother, Carlos Agustin Cahuec Coc, 33, also known as “Tuco.” They allegedly orchestrated an international migrant-smuggling scheme from December 2020 to October 2023.
The indictment details how the siblings submitted fraudulent sponsorship applications to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement to gain custody of unaccompanied migrant children. A third individual, Gladys Marina Caal Chen, 20, is accused of making false statements in connection with a sponsorship application. Chen reportedly entered the United States as a fraudulently sponsored unaccompanied child.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche highlighted the role of “super sponsors” in the problem, referring to individuals taking responsibility for three or more unrelated unaccompanied minors. Many of these minors face risks of labor or sex trafficking. Blanche stated, “We will not accept half measures when it comes to securing the border, protecting American lives, and saving children from exploitation.”
This story is developing and will be updated with further details.