(The Center Square)–Instead of ending a program through which federal officials have lost track of hundreds of thousands of “unaccompanied alien children” (UACs) who were illegally brought into the country, Congressional Republicans allocated billions of dollars to keep funding it.
According to federal law, the care of UACs falls under the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. For years, under multiple administrations, federal and state investigations have found UACs are being abused through the program, including at ORR-contracted facilities nationwide.
Under the Biden administration, ORR placed UACs with unvetted sponsors, background checks weren’t performed, children were released to alleged gang members, human traffickers, non-family members and sent to non-residential addresses, federal inspector general audits and a Florida grand jury found.
Inspector general reports uncovered that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were “incapable of monitoring” UACs released into the U.S., expressing alarm because “missing children are ‘considered at higher risk for trafficking, exploitation, or forced labor.’” ORR initially lost track of roughly 100,000 children, according to the reports. That number has since increased three-fold; UACs were being exploited in child labor situations, federal investigations found, and still are, most recently in Chicago, The Center Square reported.
Information about sexual abuse and physical neglect were so serious that U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-IA, filed criminal complaints that led to the Biden administration’s DOJ suing at least one NGO. Months later, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi dropped the charges.
She did so after investigations led by Grassley uncovered that UACs were being released to MS-13 gang members and sponsors who were allegedly putting them into forced labor, forced prostitution and sex-trafficking them.
Texas, California and Florida have historically received the most UACs; the number exponentially increased every year under the Biden administration, The Center Square first reported.
From fiscal years 2019 to 2023, ICE transferred more than 448,000 UACs to ORR. During that time, ICE didn’t issue notices to appear before an immigration judge for 65% of UACs transferred from DHS custody, leaving them in limbo, an inspector general report found, The Center Square reported.
Despite years of federal reports highlighting DHS, ICE, HHS and ORR failures to care for UACs, Congress extended funding for UAC oversight in HR 1, the budget bill referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
HR 1, filed by state Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, allocates more than $3 billion for UAC oversight for fiscal year 2025 through Sept. 30, 2029.
Under Part 2, Use of Funds, Sect. 70115, it appropriates $3 billion to ORR “to house, transport, and supervise unaccompanied alien children” in ORR custody pursuant to section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008.
Sec. 70116 appropriates $20 million to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for CBP officers, including Border Patrol, to examine UACs ages 12 and older for gang-related tattoos and other gang-related markings.
Sec. 70117 allocates $20 million to HHS to determine if UACs ages 12 or older pose “a danger to self or others” by examining them for gang-related tattoos and other gang-related markings.
Sec. 70118 allocates $50 million to ORR to screen potential UAC sponsors. It directs the HHS secretary to provide the Homeland Security secretary with information about the sponsor, including “the name of the individual and all adult residents of the individual’s household” and each of their Social Security numbers and birthdays. It also requires the sponsor’s residence to be validated and their immigration status and contact information to be confirmed and shared.
It also requires “the results of all background and criminal records checks for the individual and all adult residents of the individual’s household, which shall include at a minimum an investigation of the public records sex offender registry, a public records background check, and a national criminal history check based on fingerprints” be shared between agencies.
Sec. 70119 appropriates $100 million “to permit a specified unaccompanied alien child to withdraw the child’s application for admission pursuant to section 235(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act” to be repatriated to their country of origin on a case-by-case basis. The section only applies to UACs encountered at ports of entry – not between ports of entry – who immigration officials deem inadmissible.
Repatriation doesn’t apply if officials determine the UACs are victims of severe forms of human trafficking; face being trafficked once returned, or express “a credible fear of persecution” if returned to their country of origin.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.