The Texas Department of Public Safety discovered a group of 211 migrants in Maverick County on Sunday, November 24, 2024, including 60 children who had crossed the border from Mexico without any parents or family members. These children, who were between the ages of two and seventeen, were among the larger group encountered.
According to DPS Spokesperson Lt. Chris Olivarez, this serves as a clear illustration of the dangerous and uncertain journey undertaken by these children as they are trafficked by criminal organizations across the southern border and into the interior.
“Regardless of political views, it is unacceptable for any child to be exposed to dangerous criminal trafficking networks. With a record number of unaccompanied children and hundreds of thousands missing, there is no one ensuring the safety & security of these children except for the men & women who are on the frontlines daily. Despite the criticism over the years, the reality is that many children are exploited & trafficked, never to be heard from again.” –DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez
Since the start of their border security operation, “Operation Lone Star,” in 2021, Texas DPS Officers have come across over 900 children who have unlawfully crossed into the state.
A recent report from GOP Senators, citing US Customs & Border Protection figures, reveals a significant surge in the number of unaccompanied migrant children illegally crossing the border into the United States since President Biden assumed office.
According to NewsNation’s Ali Bradley, the Border Patrol has already encountered 3,260 unaccompanied children this month. Just on Tuesday, November 18, 2024, there were 226 unaccompanied children encountered.
According to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), the majority of unaccompanied children (97,801) have settled with sponsors in Texas. California follows with 80,404 children, while Florida has 71,899 children, and New York State with 57,980 children.
According to the MPI, the majority of those children (44,054) have settled in Harris County (Houston), followed by Los Angeles (32,778), Dallas (17,059), Miami-Dade (15,125), and Palm Beach (13,245).