As evening falls, a group of migrants gathers near a gate along the border fence in El Paso, Texas, waiting to be processed by border officials on May 11, 2023. AP Photo
A father in the United States has shared his distress after learning that his three-year-old daughter suffered alleged abuse while in federal custody. The child had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border with her mother and was later separated from her.
For five months, the father waited for her release, hoping for a safe reunion. Delays in the process kept the child in foster care longer than expected.
Serious Allegations Surface
The father turned to the courts after repeated delays. During this process, he learned that his daughter had reported being sexually abused while staying in a foster home in Texas.
According to court documents, the child told caregivers about the incidents after they noticed signs something was wrong. She said the abuse happened more than once and caused her pain.
Authorities later arranged a medical examination and interview. Officials removed the older child accused in the case from the foster program.
Father Left in the Dark
The father said officials gave him very little information at the time.
“I asked them, ‘What happened? I want to know. I’m her father. I want to know what’s going on,’ and they just told me that they couldn’t give me more information, that it was under investigation,” he said.
He believes faster action could have prevented the situation.
“She was so long in there,” he said. “I just think that if they would have moved faster, nothing like that would have happened.”
Delays Linked to Policy Changes
The case comes as new rules have extended the time immigrant children spend in federal custody. The process for releasing children to parents or sponsors has become more complex, requiring background checks, home visits, and other steps.
Legal advocates say these changes have led to longer waiting periods, leaving children in care for months instead of weeks.
Legal Action Brings Release
After months of waiting, lawyers filed an emergency court request to speed up the child’s release. Within days, authorities allowed the father to take his daughter home.
The case has now become part of a legal challenge that questions how authorities handle the care and release of immigrant children.
Concerns Raised by Advocates
Lawyers and child welfare advocates say the case highlights serious concerns about safety and oversight. They argue that children should stay with their families whenever possible and that delays increase risks.
One lawyer said, “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.”
Lasting Impact on the Child
The father said his daughter has struggled since returning home. He noticed changes in her behaviour, including fear and nightmares.
The family now lives together in Chicago while her immigration case continues. The father said he remains focused on helping his daughter recover and feel safe again.
