Over 100 Unaccompanied Migrant Children Found at U.S.-Mexico Border in One Week

Children as young as 4 years old were discovered traveling alone, highlighting the dangers of smuggling and gaps in border safety protocols.

Texas officials reported encountering over 100 unaccompanied migrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border between November 24 and December 1, 2024.
The children, ranging in age from 2 to 17, were often left in the hands of smugglers, exposing them to significant risks during their journey.
A 4-year-old girl from El Salvador was found carrying only a note with a name and phone number; her mother admitted to paying smugglers to bring her to the U.S.
Authorities have criticized the lack of safety mechanisms and protocols to protect unaccompanied minors crossing the border.
The findings underscore ongoing challenges in U.S. immigration policies, with advocates citing systemic failures that separate families and create perilous conditions for children.