U.S. officials identify over 15,000 cases of adults sponsoring multiple migrant children

U.S. officials said Thursday they have identified more than 15,000 cases in which adults gained custody of multiple immigrant children who entered the country without a parent. The Justice Department announced charges against a Guatemalan woman accused of using false identification to gain custody of migrant children.

Officials highlighted three cases against Guatemalan nationals that they said show risks from inadequate sponsor screening.

Cases under review Officials said they are investigating other adults who gained custody of more than three unrelated children to determine whether the sponsors acted fraudulently. Taking custody of multiple unrelated migrant children is not a crime.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told reporters the administration will not accept half measures when it comes to securing the border, protecting American lives and saving children from exploitation.

Background on sponsor process Under prior policy, officials aimed to release children to eligible adult sponsors within 30 days. Some children were later found placed with adults who forced them to work illegally or submitted false documents. Current procedures have lengthened average time in federal custody to 206 days as of May, compared with 37 days at the start of the current administration.

The total number of children in custody has declined during the same period. The cases announced Thursday include charges against a woman accused of living in the U.S. illegally, coordinating with others to bring children across the border, and using fake identities to obtain custody in exchange for money.