Every year, thousands of unaccompanied alien children arrive at the U.S. border alone — in search of safety, opportunity or a better life. But for many, the journey brings new dangers. Once these unaccompanied children enter the United States, they are at high risk of exploitation, abuse, and trafficking without parents or guardians to protect and guide them.
Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), unaccompanied alien children are:
- Under the age of 18
- Without lawful immigration status
- Without a parent or legal guardian in the U.S. available to provide care for them
These children often face harrowing journeys—exposed to human traffickers, smugglers, and others who seek to take advantage of their vulnerability. What began as an escape to safety can become a pathway to exploitation.
Understanding the risks these children face is the first step in protecting them.
View Original "Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) FSC Video" videoSuspect Human Trafficking? Report It.
If you or someone you know is an unaccompanied alien child who is a victim of forced labor and/or sex trafficking, please report it.
Call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) to report suspected human trafficking to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Tip Line is also accessible outside the United States by calling 802-872-6199.
To receive help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH), call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).
NHTH can help connect victims with service providers in the area and provide training, technical assistance, and other resources. NHTH is a national, toll-free hotline that is not a law enforcement or immigration authority; available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
What Happens after a Child is Taken Into Custody?
When an unaccompanied alien child is taken into custody by immigration authorities, the child is transferred to Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). ORR provides food, shelter, medical care, and emotional support while working to place the child in a safe, stable home with a vetted sponsor—someone who can care for the child while they await immigration proceedings.
If you are a parent or guardian trying to determine if your child is in HHS custody, contact the ORR National Call Center at 1-800-203-7001 or email information@ORRNCC.com.
Becoming a Sponsor
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
Sponsors are typically family members or trusted adults who step forward to care for unaccompanied alien children. Sponsors play a critical role in a child’s life—offering protection, stability, and support during a difficult time. But with this role comes serious legal responsibility.
All sponsors must:
- Pass a background check, ensuring they have not engaged in any activity that would indicate a potential risk to the child.
- Ensure the child’s presence at all immigration proceedings.
- Comply with any removal or voluntary departure orders issued by an immigration judge.
Sponsorship is a Serious Commitment
Sponsors are legally responsible for the child’s care and compliance with federal immigration laws. Any attempt to exploit, neglect, or unlawfully harbor a child may result in:
- Criminal or administrative charges
- Monetary fines
- Disqualification from future sponsorship opportunities
If you or someone you know is thinking about becoming a sponsor, it’s essential to understand the full scope of the commitment. The decisions sponsors make can shape a child’s future—for better or worse.
Learn more about the sponsorship process at the Office of Refugee Resettlement website.
Help Us Spread The Word
Help raise awareness about the exploitation of unaccompanied alien children and share resources that could help save a life.
Follow @DHSBlueCampaign on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Share the content below with your networks to amplify the message—don’t forget to tag @DHSBlueCampaign and @DHSgov, and use the hashtags
#EndHumanTrafficking and #ForcedLabor
