Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes to Protect Children from Trafficking and Exploitation

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted to pass H.R. 4371, the Kayla Hamilton Act, legislation that strengthens federal safeguards for unaccompanied migrant children and reduces the risk they are released to traffickers, criminals, or unsafe sponsors. The bill tightens background checks, improves coordination with law enforcement, and restores accountability to a system that has too often failed vulnerable kids.

"When the government takes custody of a child, it takes on a serious responsibility," said Congressman Harrigan. "I'm a dad, and I can't imagine cutting corners when it comes to where a child is placed or who they're handed off to. These decisions carry real consequences, and we owe it to these kids to get it right."

The legislation is named for Kayla Hamilton, a 20-year-old woman with autism who was brutally murdered in Maryland by an MS-13 gang member who entered the United States illegally, a case that exposed serious failures in federal screening and oversight and drew national attention to the consequences of those breakdowns.

The Kayla Hamilton Act requires federal agencies to consult with law enforcement and immigration authorities before releasing children, strengthens sponsor vetting, and mandates assessments to ensure placements do not put children at risk. With House passage, the bill now moves to the Senate, where Congressman Harrigan is urging swift action to prioritize child safety and accountability.