Early on when news of the border surge first became public, Border Patrol agents were expressing concern privately that some of the minors were going to wind up in the hands of questionable sponsors. Child advocates expressed concern that some of the children could be turned over to cartel operatives to be used in their sex trafficking activities.
On Tuesday, Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer revealed that during a conference call with her fellow governors, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Director of the White House Office Intergovernmental Affairs, the agents’ fears were confirmed.
According to Brewer, “the Obama administration has specifically chosen to avoid its due diligence and is releasing Unaccompanied Alien Children into the care and custody of so-called ‘sponsors’ — individuals about whom the administration does not check immigration or deportation status.”
Arizona’s Attorney General Tom Horne has been receiving daily briefings on the federal government’s actions. “My office has been proactive. Child welfare is one of our primary responsibilities. We have been in contact with health officials, we have inspected the Nogales Border Patrol Station and are checking on licensing. Early on we sent a letter demanding that the federal government Cease and Desist settlement here,” said Horne on Tuesday.
Brewer, who has been eerily silent on the issue to date, said “As a Governor, it’s beyond frustrating that, once again, this administration deliberately neglects its duty to act in a responsible manner and uphold the law. But as a mother, it’s unconscionable that federal officials willingly release children into the permanent custody of people of which little – if anything – is known.”
Brewer called on the administration to “immediately correct this practice and expedite the removal of illegal aliens to their home country. The American people have had enough. They demand immediate action to return illegal aliens – whether adults or minors – to their countries of origin and secure our border. I am confident voters will hold our elected officials accountable at the ballot box.”
Unlike Brewer, Texas Governor Rick Perry called for the National Guard to secure the Texas Mexico border. Between the secrecy of the federal government and the absent Brewer administration, the resident of Arizona have had little assurances as to their own welfare and safety as well as concerns for the Unaccompanied Alien Children being sheltered around the State.
According to Kenneth Wolfe, Deputy director, Office of Public Affairs, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Children spend less than 30 days on average at the shelters and do not integrate into the local community.” The UACs are then turned over to sponsors.