A 12-year-old Honduran girl was reportedly tortured and abused by her sponsors after entering the United States as an unaccompanied minor under the Obama administration. According to court documents, she was released to a distant uncle while her mother was still in Honduras, but the uncle allegedly began sexually abusing the child. The girl was then taken in by two sisters, Brenda Garcia, 38, and Tania Garcia, 37, who are residents of Montgomery County. The court documents allege that the sisters continued the abuse, with Brenda being charged with taking nude photos of the girl and threatening her with death.
The abuse reportedly included beatings, starvation, and restraints using zip ties, as well as instances where the girl was tied to a chair for ‘stealing food.’ The girl also claimed that she was photographed in a state of nudity and threatened with death by Brenda Garcia. The girl eventually escaped her restraints on September 28, and the sisters face charges of felony injury to a child, unlawful restraint, and invasive visual recording. President Trump has criticized the Biden administration for its alleged failure to enforce strict vetting procedures for sponsors, citing the Obama administration’s policy as a contributing factor to the surge in unaccompanied child immigration, which saw a nearly 80% increase in apprehensions between 2013 and 2014.
In addition to the abuse, the girl was reportedly only allowed to sleep on a tablecloth on the floor while restrained, and her mattress was taken away. She was also beaten whenever she urinated herself while sleeping, according to court documents. The abuse has sparked calls for stricter policies on the handling of unaccompanied minors at the border, with some politicians expressing concern over the safety and welfare of these children. However, the Biden administration has faced criticism for its handling of the issue, with President Trump accusing the administration of allowing unaccompanied children to cross the border without adequate vetting.
The case has highlighted the complex and often dangerous situation faced by unaccompanied minors entering the United States, particularly those who have been placed in the care of sponsors. While the government has policies in place to protect these children, the recent case seems to indicate that these safeguards may not always be effective. The case also raises questions about the responsibility of sponsors and the potential for abuse within the sponsorship system. As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks faced by children who come to the United States without family.