A 3-year-old migrant allegedly suffered abuse during prolonged US federal custody, as delays in reunification raise concerns over child safety, detention policies, and government oversight in the immigration system.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media
A 3-year-old immigrant girl allegedly suffered sexual abuse while in US federal custody for months after being separated from her mother at the southern border, according to a lawsuit filed by her family.
The child, who crossed into the United States with her mother in September last year, was placed under the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement after the pair was separated by immigration authorities. She remained in custody for nearly five months, far longer than typical processing times.
Her father, a legal US resident, said he was only informed of an “accident” during her stay in foster care in Harlingen, Texas, USA. It was later revealed through court filings that the child had allegedly been abused multiple times by an older child in the same placement.
“I want to know what happened to my daughter,” the father said, speaking anonymously to protect her identity. “If they had acted faster, this wouldn’t have happened.”
According to legal documents, a caregiver discovered signs of abuse and reported the incident. The child underwent a forensic examination, and the alleged perpetrator was removed from the foster program. The case has been reported to local law enforcement.
The lawsuit names federal agencies, including the US Department of Health and Human Services, accusing them of failing to protect the child and delaying her release to family custody.
Advocates say the case reflects broader concerns over immigration policies under Donald Trump, which have led to longer detention periods for migrant children. Average custody times have surged from 37 days to nearly 200 days in the past year.
Legal experts argue that stricter procedures for releasing children to parents and sponsors have contributed to delays, forcing families to seek emergency court intervention to reunite.
“This represents another form of family separation,” said rights advocates, warning that prolonged detention increases risks to children’s safety and well-being.
The girl was finally released to her father after legal action forced authorities to act. Now living with family in Chicago, Illinois, USA, she is reportedly experiencing trauma, including nightmares and emotional distress.
Her case remains under legal review, as advocates push for reforms to ensure faster reunification and stronger protections for children in government custody.
