The southern border crisis continues to unfold, revealing the tragic vulnerability of unaccompanied minors. Since 2021, almost half a million children have been apprehended at the border, leaving them susceptible to exploitation, particularly by sex traffickers. One survivor's story, shared with Fox News under the condition of anonymity, sheds light on the horrific reality these young people face.
This 20-year-old individual, brought to the U.S. from South America, endured years of abuse before finding refuge at Bob's House of Hope, the nation's first safe house specifically for male victims of sex trafficking. He recounted being trafficked multiple times daily, enduring physical violence, and living under constant threats against his life. His chilling words, "I saw good people die," speak volumes about the brutality he witnessed.
Bob Williams, founder of Bob's House of Hope, emphasizes the misconception that sex trafficking primarily affects girls and women. He estimates that up to half of all victims are male. The organization provides comprehensive support to both U.S. citizens and migrants, collaborating with agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.
Williams highlights a disturbing trend: many victims are trafficked by individuals they know, often family members. He describes a brutal cycle where migrants are subjected to labor trafficking by day and sex trafficking by night. Escape is incredibly difficult, not only due to threats of violence but also due to forced fentanyl addiction, a tactic traffickers use to maintain control.
A recent report revealed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lost track of tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors, raising concerns about their potential exploitation. Williams believes many of these children have fallen victim to trafficking networks, often sold by their own families. He shares a case of a young man attempting to reunite with family in Florida, only to be intercepted by a gang posing as helpful strangers.
Bob's House of Hope provides a four-year program offering housing, therapy, educational opportunities, and a supportive environment to aid in recovery. The organization's ultimate goal is to equip survivors with the resources they need for independent living, including a car, a job, and the possibility of higher education.
Landon Dickeson, the chief operating officer and a therapist at the safe house, explains the complex trauma these young migrants endure, often facing rejection from their families and being sold for profit before even reaching the U.S. Their unfamiliarity with the language and systems further exacerbates their vulnerability.
The survivor who shared his story with Fox News expressed hope for the future and gratitude for the safe haven he found. He urges others in similar situations not to lose hope. Williams advocates for stronger border security, harsher penalties for traffickers and complicit family members, and increased funding for support programs like Bob's House of Hope.
