ACF Reveals Dangers of Inadequate Sponsor Vetting After Horrific Abuse Case Involving Unaccompanied Child

Following the terrible story of multiple illegal aliens arrested for allegations of repeatedly raping and torturing an unaccompanied alien child (UAC) who was smuggled into the United States, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today highlights the critical importance of thorough sponsor vetting in the UAC program. The recent arrests include a 49-year-old Honduran national, Felix Bustillo Diaz, who claimed to be the child's great-uncle and served as her sponsor, and a 45-year-old Salvadoran national, Jose Gerber-Rivera. Both men entered the United States illegally and allegedly committed repeated sexual abuses against the child.

The child entered ACF’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody during the Obama administration in June 2014 as a 15-month-old with her mother, who was also a UAC at the time. Within weeks, they were released to Diaz who claimed to be the victim's great-uncle. After years of alleged repeated sexual abuse, the minor escaped her sponsor only to be subsequently exploited and tortured by the two Houston-area women who falsely claimed to be rescuing her.

“This atrocious case demonstrates exactly why the Trump administration has prioritized comprehensive reforms to the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s unaccompanied alien children program," said John Fabbricatore, Senior Advisor at the Department of Health and Human Services. “On day one, a vow was made to stop the chaos, secure the border, and protect children. We will not tolerate children being placed with sponsors who pose risks to their safety and well-being.” 

Under the Biden administration, nearly half a million UAC were released to sponsors through what appear to be dangerously inadequate vetting procedures. Sponsors merely had to claim they were family of a UAC in order for a child to be released to them; DNA checks were not required. This reckless approach may have created countless opportunities for predators and traffickers to exploit vulnerable children.

Since the Trump administration took office, ORR has implemented various enhanced safety protocols to prevent such tragedies. ORR now conducts more rigorous background checks on potential sponsors and their household members, including criminal history reviews, family relationship verification, home environment assessment. ORR has also improved oversight of UAC placement decisions and coordination with law enforcement to identify and prosecute those who harm children in federal custody. 

This case remains under active investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Harris County Sheriff's Office, and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. The child is now safe, and to protect their privacy and preserve the integrity of the case, no further details will be released at this time.