DHS Announces Location of 146,000 Unaccompanied Migrant Children Previously Unaccounted For Under Biden Administration

Washington, D.C. – Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced on June 11, 2026, that federal agencies have located 146,000 unaccompanied migrant children who were released to sponsors but became unaccounted for during the Biden administration, highlighting ongoing efforts to address vulnerabilities in the system exposed by prior lax oversight.

Mullin, joined by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and officials from Health and Human Services, detailed the progress during a Justice Department press conference. The children were part of roughly 450,000 unaccompanied minors encountered and released under the previous administration, many of whom had inadequate sponsor vetting and follow-up monitoring. Nearly 300,000 minors remain unaccounted for, according to current estimates.

The recoveries were achieved through joint operations involving ICE, DHS, and HHS, including wellness checks, door knocks at sponsor addresses, and targeted investigations in sanctuary jurisdictions. Officials emphasized that many located children were found in situations involving exploitation, with some cases leading to arrests of sponsors for crimes including trafficking, assault, and sexual abuse.

Background issues trace to the massive surge in unaccompanied minors during the Biden years, when over 65,000 safety and well-being reports were reportedly ignored or inadequately addressed. Critics, including congressional investigators, highlighted systemic failures such as minimal sponsor background checks, overloaded caseworkers, and a lack of robust post-release tracking. Reports documented cases of children placed with unrelated adults, multiple children assigned to single sponsors, and instances of labor and sex trafficking.

Mullin described the prior administration’s approach as “true neglect at best and criminal at worst,” noting that the Trump administration has prioritized locating these vulnerable children and dismantling associated trafficking networks. Efforts have included enhanced data sharing between agencies, increased field operations, and prosecutions of smugglers and exploitative sponsors.

The announcement builds on earlier progress reports from the administration, which had previously cited figures around 120,000–145,000 located in prior months. Officials stressed that the work continues aggressively, with a focus on rescuing victims and holding perpetrators accountable. Some located children have been reunited with family or provided protective services.

Democrats and immigration advocacy groups have pushed back, arguing the figures are inflated or that the focus on enforcement endangers children. However, administration officials maintain the data reflects verifiable wellness checks and investigations, not mere administrative closures.

This development underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to addressing one of the most troubling legacies of prior border policies. Mullin vowed continued operations until every possible child is accounted for, describing the effort as a moral imperative to protect the most vulnerable. Further updates on recoveries and related prosecutions are expected in coming weeks.