Tom Homan Claims Missing Children Found in Minnesota; Fact Check Revealed
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, recently made claims regarding a federal immigration operation in Minnesota that reportedly found thousands of missing children. Specifically, he stated that ICE has located 3,364 unaccompanied alien children in the state. This claim was made while announcing the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge.
Verification of Missing Children Claims
The assertion made by Homan aligns with discussions around a larger narrative from the Biden administration regarding missing migrant children. In late 2024, Vice President JD Vance indicated that the Department of Homeland Security had lost track of approximately 320,000 unaccompanied migrant children. However, fact-checking organizations, including the Associated Press and USA Today, suggest this claim misrepresents the data.
Understanding the Data
- A federal report indicated that over 320,000 children either did not appear for immigration hearings or did not receive court notices.
- More than 291,000 unaccompanied migrant children hadn’t received a notice as of May 2024.
- Over 32,000 children received notices but failed to attend their hearings.
- These figures span from October 2018 to September 2023, during which ICE released 448,820 unaccompanied children to the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
It’s essential to note that President Biden served only part of this timeframe, which includes around 15 months under former President Trump. The report does not clarify how many children crossed under each administration.
Potential Reasons for Missing Court Appearances
Immigration experts emphasize that this situation is less about missing children and more about missing paperwork. Various factors may explain why children failed to appear for their hearings or did not receive notices:
- Notices are issued when removal proceedings have started; if these proceedings are not initiated, no notices are sent.
- A lack of communication between agencies can lead to notices being sent to outdated addresses.
- Guardians might be unable to transport children to court, particularly if they reside far away.
Where Are These Children?
The missing children may have been placed in foster care, shelters, or have been reunited with family members through the Homeland Security refugee program. Removal proceedings could be initiated by ICE and the Department of Justice. Certain children may remain in the U.S. legally if they qualify for asylum or special visas, meaning removal proceedings may never begin.
In summary, while the narrative surrounding missing children in Minnesota has gained significant media attention, it requires careful consideration of the underlying facts and circumstances surrounding immigration policies and procedures.
