The Trump administration has announced it has located about 146,000 unaccompanied migrant children who entered the United States during the previous administration and were later placed with sponsors.
Eko Hot News reports that Officials disclosed the figures during a press briefing at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin presented the update, noting progress in nationwide tracking efforts.
They stated that the number of children located has increased significantly from earlier estimates reported last year.
According to the officials, nearly 300,000 children are still not accounted for under the ongoing review process.
Mullin said federal agencies have intensified efforts to trace the whereabouts of minors who entered the country without guardians.
He added that the administration inherited a large caseload of unaccompanied minors requiring verification and follow-up.
Officials explained that many of the children were released to sponsors after being transferred to federal care services.
The Department of Health and Human Services had previously overseen placement procedures for the minors upon arrival.
The administration said locating the children remains a top priority for federal agencies involved in immigration oversight.
Authorities are working to verify records and determine the safety status of those already identified.
Mullin criticised previous administrative handling of unaccompanied minors, saying it created gaps in monitoring and accountability systems.
He stated that ongoing investigations are focused on understanding how large numbers of children were placed without consistent follow-up procedures.
The administration noted that more than 500,000 unaccompanied minors entered the country during the period under review.
Officials said the current effort aims to strengthen tracking systems and improve inter-agency coordination.
They confirmed that further updates will be provided as additional children are located or verified.
The Justice Department said multiple agencies are collaborating to improve data accuracy and case management.
Authorities emphasized that safeguarding minors remains central to ongoing federal immigration operations.
The administration has pledged continued review of all cases involving unaccompanied migrant children.
