A video released by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) shows a two-year-old migrant girl from El Salvador found alone at the US border. She was among a group of over 200 migrants, including 60 unaccompanied minors, detained in Maverick County, Texas, on November 24.
The child, wearing a bright pink jacket, held a small yellow note with a name and phone number written on it. When asked by authorities about her destination, she responded, “With my mom and dad,” adding that her parents were in the “United States.”
Authorities Highlight Child Trafficking Risks
The tragic case underscores the dangers faced by migrant children traveling alone. Lt. Chris Olivarez shared the video on social media, emphasizing the risks posed by criminal trafficking networks.
“This is a stark example of the precarious journey these children make,” Olivarez wrote. He noted that DPS has rescued over 900 children during Operation Lone Star from abandonment and human smuggling.
Olivarez condemned the exploitation of unaccompanied minors, stating:
“Regardless of political views, it is unacceptable for any child to be exposed to dangerous criminal trafficking networks.”
Border Security Concerns Rise
The incident highlights growing concerns over border security and the plight of unaccompanied minors. The Biden administration has faced criticism over the handling of migration, while President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to prioritize border security, including plans for the “largest deportation effort in American history.”
A Call to Action
This heartbreaking story sheds light on the urgent need to address human trafficking and ensure the safety of vulnerable children at the US border. The girl’s journey, like many others, is a tragic reminder of the human cost of migration.
