Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators, led by Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), have reintroduced the End Child Trafficking Now Act. This legislation mandates DNA testing to verify familial relationships between children and adults crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

Dr. Cassidy stated, "The Biden-Harris border crisis fueled human trafficking and cartel activity." He emphasized that the act is intended to ensure that children are not exploited by individuals crossing the southern border.

Senator Blackburn highlighted concerns about children being used by cartels and gangs to pose as family units seeking asylum. She noted, "As many as 30% of children DNA tested were found not to be related to the illegal immigrants posing as family members."

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) added, "Cartels are trafficking millions of illegal immigrants across the U.S.-Mexico border... By performing DNA testing, we can verify whether a child is truly traveling with a relative." He expressed pride in collaborating with Senator Blackburn on this issue.

Other supporters of the bill include Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Mike Lee (R-UT). Each senator voiced concerns about current immigration policies and their impact on child safety at the border.

In 2019, an ICE Homeland Security Investigations Executive Associate Director remarked on-site DNA testing's deterrent effect, noting instances where individuals confessed to forming faux families before undergoing tests.

The proposed legislation seeks to reinstate such testing procedures halted under President Biden's administration. The senators argue that this measure would prevent exploitation of minors by ensuring only legitimate familial relations accompany them across borders.