Good job IDing the problem.
They were minors.
Crossed the border illegally. With adults, since they didn't do it alone. Yet ...
Without a guardian or parent. And unable to name one.
Who speaks for them? Some "I'm with the government, I first saw Juan Vladimirovich al-Rahim y Chen 2 minutes ago" or somebody who cares for Juan? Really? "I claim this kid ... never saw him before, but I know him/her, parents, goals." Not.
The parents didn't claim to speak for them. Or maybe they died en route so a stranger's in charge of them. What could go wrong, entrusting them to strangers. I can count one one hand those I'd have entrusted my kid to. I'm his father. Maybe, some cousins. Maybe. And I'd be sure to say who they were to talke to. These kids ... no writings, no documents, "take me to my mommy." Except 'mommy' was often some cousin never before seen; whose name might be well mangled.
I teach high school. I'm compelled to complete certain # of 'trainings'--videos + quizzes--each year. For the last 4, 5 years those included "trafficking." I live in Houston, a trafficking "hub" (it seems).
How do 'unaccompanied minors' upon crossing the border, with no parent or declared close relative, not attract suspicion? My training in federal and TX state law ... It's pretty bad. I don't comply, bye-bye income. And maybe, "What's that legal case ... Oh, shit!"
District follows the law. I'm at risk because somebody else doesn't? That's the parents. Sure, I feel sorry. But am I willing to say "ciao" to my pension at 66 and and rely on my $1200/mo social social security with no way to make up for my 'error' so that $1200 is my monthly income (hey, inflation adjusted!) No. I might say "$14,000 ... okay" if there was an actual emotional bond. But some unaccompanied minor in the Houston Chronicle ... Nope. Even then, who'd "give" me a kid when I was already in poverty? And would I learn to resent it/him/her/them?
Granularity. Been there, done that. it sux.
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