Nebraska Panhandle News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) emphasized his ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. During a conference call with Nebraska media, Ricketts condemned the Biden administration's policies that facilitate the trafficking of minors at the southern border.

Ricketts, who previously implemented a four-part plan to combat human trafficking while serving as Governor of Nebraska, expressed his dismay at President Biden's failed border policies that enable international human trafficking. He criticized the open border policies for allowing cartels to exploit vulnerable children and adults from around the world.

Highlighting the consequences of these policies, Ricketts shared an incident he witnessed during a trip to the border in October. He recounted encountering a man who claimed to be the father of a terrified 10-year-old girl, whom he clearly recognized as not his daughter. Border Patrol agents informed Ricketts that they had no means to verify such suspicions or take action to protect the child due to Biden's policies.

Ricketts specifically criticized the Biden administration's decision to end DNA familial testing at the border, a tool originally implemented by the Trump administration to determine the relationship between illegal immigrants and accompanying children. He emphasized the vital role this testing played in combatting and deterring human trafficking. In fiscal year 2019 alone, Border Patrol agents identified over 6,200 fraudulent family member claims.

Expressing his concern, Ricketts stated, "Biden's elimination of DNA testing took away a critical tool to protect innocent children being exploited and being recycled at the border." He called for the restoration of DNA testing and announced his support for the End Child Trafficking Now Act, which would require the Biden administration to restart DNA tests at the border. Additionally, Ricketts mentioned his work on the Stopping Border Surges Act, aimed at eliminating incentives for sending children to the border and closing immigration loopholes.

In conclusion, Ricketts urged President Biden to take necessary action to secure the border and prevent the exploitation of innocent children by human traffickers. He emphasized Biden's responsibility for the current situation, stating, "President Biden is utterly responsible for the human trafficking that is going on at our border today with his open border policies."

As efforts to raise awareness and end the practice of human trafficking continue, Ricketts hopes that President Biden will prioritize the security of the border and put an end to the exploitation of innocent children.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/press-releases/ricketts-highlights-work-to-combat-human-trafficking-enabled-by-bidens-open-border-policies