The Trump administration announced a change to how reports of human trafficking involving unaccompanied migrant children are handled. In a September 10 memo, federal employees and caregivers were instructed to submit any suspected labor or sex trafficking claims to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) rather than the Office of Trafficking in Persons (TIP).
Administration’s rationale
The administration says the shift will “streamline the reporting, tracking and referral of trafficking-related concerns” and reduce the high volume of reports that do not rise to the level of criminal human trafficking. A statement from the administration noted that a review last year found 95% of more than 9,000 reports were deemed not viable trafficking leads for criminal investigators, with most describing alleged abuse or neglect rather than forced labor or commercial sex.
How the new process works
Under the prior policy, caregivers were required to screen newly arrived children within five days and, if they suspected trafficking, notify TIP within 24 hours. TIP could then certify a claim, making the child eligible for a program that allows placement in foster care, attendance at public schools, and access to nutrition, housing and other public benefits while pursuing visas or asylum.
Now, the memo directs that any such reports be sent to ORR, which will conduct an initial review and decide which cases, if any, should be forwarded to TIP for further evaluation. ORR officials said the change is intended to “strengthen integrity, reduce improper referrals, reduce fraud, and ensure that children who may have experienced trafficking receive immediate support.”
Critics raise concerns
Advocates for trafficking survivors, including Jean Bruggeman of Freedom Network USA, warned that the new procedure could delay assistance and increase the risk of deportation for vulnerable children. Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden called the move “more evidence that the Trump administration will deport kids to score political points rather than actually protect them.”
Former ORR deputy director Jen Smyers, who served under the Biden administration, questioned the claim that the change would streamline reporting, noting that ORR lacks the specialized expertise of TIP and that adding another layer of review could slow legitimate cases.
Impact on children in custody
The policy affects roughly 1,800 children currently in federal custody after arriving without parents or being separated from parents who were not legally present. While the administration emphasizes efficiency and fraud prevention, advocates stress the importance of swift, expert evaluation to protect children from trafficking and ensure they receive the benefits and legal protections they need.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
