Thousands of Minors are Crossing the Mexican Border Alone: Here’s What’s Going On and How to Help

The number of migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in 2021 is on pace to be the highest number in 20 years, according to one of President Biden’s top officials. And that number includes a jaw-dropping increase in unaccompanied minors. U.S. Border Patrol detained more than 11,000 unaccompanied migrant children between February 28 to March 20, according to preliminary government data reviewed by CNN. That’s a significant uptick from the 9,300 children who were apprehended in February and 5,600 in January.

To help support children who are seeking asylum at the border, families can consider making any or all of the following moves.

Support the Women’s Refugee Commission. Donations support the Migrant Rights and Justice program, which works to hold the government accountable and to ensure that refugee children and families are treated humanely and fairly.