Recent reports indicate that child trafficking arrests in the United States have reached their lowest levels in five years, coinciding with a shift in focus by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) towards immigration enforcement. According to The New York Times, the number of indictments for child exploitation crimes has dropped by 28 percent compared to the previous year, with agents historically involved in these investigations now reportedly working on such cases during their personal time.

An internal report from Homeland Security Investigations revealed that approximately 300 fewer child victims were identified or rescued in the past year, marking a 17 percent decline. This data reflects a broader trend under the Trump administration's immigration policies, which have prioritized political objectives over pressing public safety issues. Despite claims from Attorney General Pam Bondi that immigration sweeps would target violent criminals and child molesters, statistics show that 40 percent of immigrants detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have no criminal record.

The focus on immigration enforcement has reportedly led to dissatisfaction among ICE agents, who are now primarily tasked with detaining noncriminal immigrants to meet a quota of 3,000 arrests per day, as mandated by Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller. This shift in priorities has occurred alongside significant staffing cuts at the State Department, which have affected offices dedicated to combating human trafficking and promoting democracy.

In a related context, twenty states have initiated legal action against the Trump administration over cuts to funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Continuum of Care program, which provides essential resources for unhoused individuals. The lawsuit argues that the new conditions imposed on funding distribution are unlawful and unconstitutional, potentially exacerbating the housing crisis in the U.S. as the administration reallocates funds away from permanent housing solutions.

In another development, the Trump administration has announced a review of all refugees admitted to the United States during the Biden administration, as detailed in a memo from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The memo claims that the Biden administration prioritized 'expediency' and 'quantity' over thorough screening and vetting, necessitating a comprehensive review and re-interview of all refugees admitted from January 20, 2021, to February 20, 2025. Furthermore, green card approvals for these refugees have been suspended.

According to the memo, individuals deemed ineligible for refugee status will not have the right to appeal the decision, although they may contest it in immigration court if removal proceedings are initiated. The review process will also extend to those who have already received their green cards.

From October 2021 to September 2024, the Biden administration admitted 185,640 refugees, with significant numbers coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Syria. Refugees are required to apply for a green card one year after their arrival and can typically apply for citizenship five years later.

Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project, criticized the review as a tactic to intimidate vulnerable populations, potentially exposing them to immigration enforcement actions and subjecting them to a distressing process. He emphasized that refugees undergo extensive vetting as part of the Refugee Admission Program, established by the Refugee Act of 1980, which has facilitated the resettlement of individuals fleeing conflict, natural disasters, or persecution.

The Trump administration had previously suspended the refugee program in February, prompting backlash from various refugee advocacy groups. A lawsuit filed against the executive order argued that it violated the legislative framework established by Congress for refugee admissions. In May, a federal judge mandated the Trump administration to allow approximately 12,000 refugees who were denied entry due to the program's suspension to be admitted into the U.S.