Brade
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by the Venezuelan government, which accused the Trump administration of separating a child from parents allegedly involved with the violent Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang. DHS clarified that the child was removed from a deportation flight for her safety and welfare, emphasizing that both parents are active members of the criminal organization.
MAIKER ESPINOZA-ESCALONA, the child’s father, is identified as a TdA lieutenant overseeing homicides, drug sales, kidnappings, extortion, sex trafficking, and the operation of a torture house, according to DHS. The child’s mother, YORELY ESCARLETH BERNAL INCIARTE, is accused of recruiting young women for drug smuggling and prostitution. Both parents entered the U.S. illegally and had final orders of removal from a judge.
DHS stated that the child was placed in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement and assigned to a foster family through a partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency confirmed that parents are given the option to be removed with their children or designate a guardian. In this case, the parents chose to be removed with their children.
The department praised President Trump and Secretary KRISTI NOEM for their commitment to protecting children from abuse, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. DHS also highlighted the administration’s efforts to reunite over 5,000 unaccompanied children with relatives or safe guardians in less than 100 days.
TRICIA MCLAUGHLIN, DHS Assistant Secretary, addressed the controversy during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s *The Big Weekend Show*, emphasizing the administration’s focus on child safety. “We’ve implemented safeguards like biometrics testing and DNA verification to ensure children are not exploited by drug mules, human traffickers, or sex traffickers,” she stated.
DHS criticized the previous administration for allegedly placing unaccompanied children with sponsors who turned out to be smugglers and traffickers. The agency reaffirmed its dedication to preventing such exploitation under the current administration.
For more details, visit [DHS News Release](https://www.dhs.gov/news) and [Fox News Interview](https://www.foxnews.com).
