INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — New federal data show more than 200
unaccompanied children caught at the U.S. border have been placed with
sponsors in Indiana.
More than 30,000 children have been released
to sponsors nationally this year through July 7. Data published Thursday
by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for
Children and Families show Indiana has received 245 of those.
The
U.S. is battling a surge in the number of unaccompanied children who
have been fleeing violence in Central America and crossing into the U.S.
because they believe they will be allowed to stay.
Children are
placed in government shelters and then released to sponsors while they
go through deportation proceedings. The sponsors often are relatives or
family friends.
Texas, New York, Florida and California have received the most children.