3-Year-Old Immigrant Allegedly Sexually Abused in Federal Custody

Family says girl suffered abuse during 5-month separation from father

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:18pm

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A 3-year-old immigrant girl was allegedly sexually abused while in federal custody after being separated from her mother at the border. The girl's father, a legal permanent resident, waited months to be reunited with his daughter, only to learn of the abuse allegations when he finally gained custody of her.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrant children in federal detention, including allegations of abuse and prolonged family separations that can have lasting psychological impacts on young victims.

The details

The girl and her mother illegally crossed the border near El Paso in September 2025. After the mother was charged with making false statements, the toddler was sent to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which cares for immigrant children. For five months, the girl's father, a legal permanent resident, waited to be reunited with his daughter, but his attempts were repeatedly stalled. During this time, the girl allegedly suffered sexual abuse by an older child in the foster home where she was placed. A caregiver noticed the girl's underwear was on backward, and the girl later disclosed multiple incidents of abuse that caused her to bleed. The abuse allegations were reported to local law enforcement, and the older child was removed from the foster program.

  • The girl and her mother crossed the border illegally on September 16, 2025.
  • The girl was placed in ORR custody after being separated from her mother.
  • The girl was in ORR custody for 5 months before being released to her father.
  • The alleged sexual abuse occurred during the girl's time in the foster home.
  • The father was finally able to be reunited with his daughter in February 2026.

The players

The Girl

A 3-year-old immigrant girl who was separated from her mother at the border and placed in federal custody, where she allegedly suffered sexual abuse.

The Girl's Father

A legal permanent resident in the United States who waited for months to be reunited with his daughter after she was taken into federal custody.

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

The federal agency responsible for the care of immigrant children in shelter or foster settings.

Lauren Fisher Flores

The lawyer representing the girl in a lawsuit against the ORR and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Neha Desai

The managing director at Children's Human Rights and Dignity at the National Center for Youth Law, who criticized the administration's treatment of immigrant children.

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What they’re saying

“To have your child abused while in the government's care, to not understand what has happened or how to protect them, to not even be told about the abuse, it is unimaginable. Children deserve safety and they belong with their parents.”

— Lauren Fisher Flores, Lawyer representing the girl

“This represents yet another version of family separation. A bipartisan Congress designed protections around the simple principle that children should be released to their family quickly and safely. This administration has been consistently flouting its legal obligations to release children to their families, profoundly jeopardizing children's health and well-being.”

— Neha Desai, Managing Director, Children's Human Rights and Dignity at the National Center for Youth Law

What’s next

The girl's case is now moving through the immigration court system as she lives with her grandparents in Chicago.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the ongoing challenges and failures in the treatment of immigrant children in federal custody, with allegations of abuse and prolonged family separations that can have lasting psychological impacts on young victims.