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Tom Homan, the former Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and current Border Czar under President Donald Trump’s administration, has reignited controversy over the fate of thousands of migrant children who entered the United States unaccompanied during the Biden presidency. In a recent appearance on Fox News, Homan claimed that the number of migrant children whose whereabouts remain unknown could be as high as 300,000, far exceeding the previously reported figure of 85,000.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which is tasked with the care and placement of unaccompanied minors, came under fire in early 2023 when a New York Times investigation revealed that the agency had lost contact with tens of thousands of children after they were released to sponsors. The Biden administration acknowledged the lapses in follow-up but disputed that the children were “missing,” arguing instead that the system lacked the capacity to track all cases post-release. Critics, however, including Homan, have described this as a fundamental failure of responsibility.
Speaking to Fox News host Harris Faulkner, Homan claimed, “The Biden administration, not only did they lose over 300,000, they weren’t even looking for them.” He alleged that under President Trump’s directive, locating and verifying the safety of these children has now become a priority. “We know some of these kids are in forced labor and sex trafficking… but we are going to find every one of them and make sure they are safe,” he said.
Homan pointed to a recent ICE operation in California, where ten minors—eight of whom were unaccompanied—were rescued from illegal marijuana farms. The raid, according to Homan, was part of a broader crackdown on labor exploitation and child trafficking networks believed to be operating throughout the country. During the enforcement action, ICE agents reportedly faced violent resistance, including at least one suspect allegedly opening fire.
“This isn’t just about immigration,” Homan said. “This is about human rights. It’s about children being abandoned, exploited, and abused because the system that was supposed to protect them failed.”
He sharply criticized the Biden-era narrative around “family separation,” suggesting that true separation occurs when children are handed over to cartels or smugglers at the border and vanish into criminal networks. “They want to talk about Trump separating families in 2018, but this is a half a million kids coming across and getting handed to traffickers,” he said. “That’s where the real family separation happens.”
Since reassuming the presidency in January 2025, Donald Trump has issued a series of executive orders aimed at tightening border security and enhancing immigration enforcement. These include the designation of violent transnational gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua as foreign terrorist organizations and the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to expedite deportation proceedings against criminal non-citizens.
Homan emphasized that these orders are not only about enforcing immigration law but about protecting the vulnerable. “We’re not just deporting people. We’re rescuing victims. And the Biden administration dropped the ball on that—plain and simple,” he said.
Critics of Homan and the Trump administration argue that the 300,000 figure is speculative and politically motivated. ORR has stated that many of the children labeled “missing” had simply failed to answer follow-up calls, not that they were definitively lost. Immigration rights groups warn that mass detention and enforcement crackdowns could put even more children at risk by driving vulnerable populations further underground.
Still, Homan remains adamant. “This isn’t about politics. It’s about kids who were put in danger. And we’re going to find them.”
As investigations continue and the administration expands enforcement measures, questions remain over how such large numbers of vulnerable minors were allowed to disappear—and what accountability will follow.
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Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
