Feds Rescue Migrant Child From Alleged Sex Offender Sponsor

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A lone migrant child emerged from the brush along the Rio Grande River in Hidalgo, Texas last month and told Border Patrol agents she was heading to Alaska to live with her sponsor, Douglas Price, who was later determined to be a 44-year-old registered sex offender. Price allegedly paid $5,000 to smugglers to bring the child and her mother across the border, but the child was separated from her mother during the journey. Federal authorities were able to intervene and rescue the child before she ended up in Price's custody.

Why it matters

This case highlights the Trump administration's efforts to improve vetting of sponsors for unaccompanied migrant children, which critics say was lacking under the previous Biden administration. The rescue of this child from an alleged sex offender sponsor underscores the dangers these children can face during the dangerous border crossing and the importance of thorough background checks on potential sponsors.

The details

According to the Department of Justice, Price allegedly paid $5,000 from his business, Black Bear Construction, to smugglers to bring the child and her mother across the border. The child's mother told federal agents she had worked as Price's housekeeper and babysat his children, and promised to pay him back by working for him. At some point during the journey, the mother and child were separated, and the child ended up alone before contacting Border Patrol agents.

• Last month, the child emerged from the brush along the Rio Grande River in Hidalgo, Texas.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Price has been charged with conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States and encouraging aliens to come to, enter, or reside in the country. He could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.