An immigration attorney has revealed that a 3-year-old girl, referred to as “Lily,” spent over five months in federal custody and was allegedly sexually abused during this time, despite her father being a lawful permanent resident willing to care for her. Lily was separated from her mother upon arrival at the southern border on September 16, 2025, and placed in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) shelter. The child’s father submitted sponsorship paperwork immediately but faced delays in their reunion, contrary to ORR policy, which stipulates that reunification should occur within 10 days. While he was attempting to secure her release, Lily reportedly suffered multiple incidents of sexual abuse by an older child at the Hands of Healing foster home in Texas. Although the father was initially informed of an “accident,” he later learned the details of the abuse through his legal representation.
Why It Matters
The average length of care for migrant children in federal custody has significantly increased, rising to 195 days as of February 2026, compared to just 24 days in 2024. This alarming trend raises concerns about the psychological impact on children in detention, with reports indicating rising levels of depression, anxiety, and self-harm among these vulnerable populations. The case highlights systemic issues within the U.S. immigration detention system, particularly regarding the protection and care of minors, and underscores the challenges faced by families navigating the immigration process.
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