DHS Considers Using National Guard to Find, Transport Migrant Children
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is exploring the possibility of deploying National Guard troops to assist in locating and transporting unaccompanied migrant children. This potential move would involve the National Guard in searching for children in specific situations and facilitating their movement across state lines. The DHS argues this measure is necessary to address logistical challenges related to the care and placement of these vulnerable children. Critics raise concerns about the appropriateness of using military personnel in this capacity.
The proposal outlines scenarios in which National Guard personnel would be involved in actively searching for unaccompanied children in certain areas and transporting them between states. DHS officials argue that the move is necessary to ensure the children's safety and well-being while they await processing and placement with sponsors.
However, the potential deployment of the National Guard in this capacity has sparked debate. Some immigration advocates and human rights organizations have voiced concerns about the militarization of child welfare services. They argue that using military personnel for these tasks could be traumatizing for the children and is not the most appropriate solution.
Proponents of the plan emphasize the urgency of the situation and the need for additional resources to manage the influx of unaccompanied minors. They maintain that the National Guard's involvement would be temporary and strictly limited to logistical support, with all interactions with the children handled by trained professionals.
The DHS has yet to issue a final decision on the matter, and further details are expected to be released in the coming weeks as the proposal undergoes further review.
Source: Read the original article at NBC