Allegations Emerge of Abuse of Toddler in US Immigration Custody Amid Delayed Release
Serious allegations have surfaced regarding the treatment of a migrant child in US custody, with an immigration attorney claiming that a three-year-old girl was sexually abused while detained in a federal shelter for several months.
According to attorney Lauren Fisher Flores, the child—identified under the pseudonym “Lily”—remained in custody for more than five months despite her father, a lawful permanent resident, being available and actively seeking her release.
The child was placed in a facility overseen by the Office of Refugee Resettlement after being separated from her mother upon arrival at the US southern border in September 2025.
A habeas corpus petition filed earlier this year states that the father promptly submitted all required sponsorship paperwork. However, his daughter was not released within the timeframe outlined in policy guidelines, which typically allow for reunification with a parent within approximately 10 days.
During her time in custody, the child was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual abuse by another minor at a foster facility in Texas, according to her legal representatives. The attorney further claimed that the father was initially informed only of an “incident” and became aware of the full details much later through legal channels.
The child has since been reunited with her father.
The case has raised concerns about the oversight of facilities under the Department of Health and Human Services, which supervises the Office of Refugee Resettlement. Officials had not issued a public response at the time of reporting.
Data from the department indicates that the average duration of care for migrant children has increased significantly, reaching approximately 195 days as of early 2026, compared to just 24 days in 2024.
Legal advocates warn that prolonged detention can have severe psychological effects on children, including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions.
The case is expected to intensify scrutiny of US immigration policies, particularly regarding the safety, welfare, and timely release of minors in federal custody.
