America's Vanishing Children Demand Our Action

Half a million unaccompanied minors have entered the United States in just four years. Let that number sink in. Five hundred thousand children, many without parents or guardians, crossing our borders since 2019. As someone who has dedicated my life to protecting the vulnerable—first as a Marine, then in law enforcement investigating crimes against children, and now leading Shadow Warriors Project—I find this statistic not just alarming, but morally unconscionable.

Where are these children now? This question haunts me.

The Shadow Crisis at Our Borders

Recently, I've been following Alina Habba's advocacy work on human trafficking. Her background as a social worker gives her unique insight into this crisis. What she's revealed about the implementation of new Executive Orders to counter trafficking deserves our full attention.

The stark reality is that many of these half million unaccompanied minors who crossed our borders may have fallen victim to trafficking networks. And that doesn't account for the unknown number of children who crossed with adults falsely claiming to be family members—a common tactic used by traffickers.

When I investigated crimes against children during my law enforcement career, I witnessed firsthand how predators exploit vulnerability. These unaccompanied minors represent the most vulnerable population imaginable: children without protection, often unable to speak English, frequently traumatized by their journey, and completely dependent on whoever claims authority over them.

They are perfect targets.

A Crisis Beyond Politics

Human trafficking transcends political divisions. It's not a conservative or liberal issue—it's a moral imperative that strikes at the heart of who we are as Americans and people of faith.

During my years serving in the military and later as a security contractor in conflict zones, I witnessed how lawlessness creates opportunities for the exploitation of the vulnerable. Our southern border has become such a zone—where the rule of law has been compromised and predators operate with increasing boldness.

The traffickers are organized, well-funded, and sophisticated. They adapt quickly to enforcement efforts. Meanwhile, these children disappear into a system that wasn't designed to handle such numbers. Some end up in legitimate placements, but others vanish entirely from official tracking.

According to experts I've consulted, many of these children are funneled into forced labor, domestic servitude, or sex trafficking operations across the country. The younger they are, the less likely they'll ever escape.

Faith Compels Action

As a Christian and leader of Shadow Warriors Project, I believe we have a God-given responsibility to protect children. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus speaks with righteous anger about those who harm children, saying it would be better for them to have a millstone hung around their neck and be drowned in the sea.

Strong words that reflect the seriousness of our responsibility.

Our organization was founded to support those who serve our country courageously, often behind enemy lines. While our primary mission focuses on contractors who've sacrificed for America, the principles that guide us—integrity, bravery, honor, and commitment—compel us to speak out about this crisis.

Because in many ways, these children have crossed into enemy territory within our own borders.

Looking Forward: Solutions and Hope

Habba's revelations about new Executive Orders targeting trafficking networks represent a step in the right direction. But government action alone isn't enough. This problem requires a comprehensive response from law enforcement, non-profits, faith communities, and everyday citizens.

I believe solutions must include:

Strengthened border security focused specifically on identifying potential trafficking victims and situations. This means better training for border personnel to recognize warning signs and improved screening protocols for adults traveling with children.

Enhanced tracking systems that don't lose sight of children once they enter the country. Technology exists to maintain better accountability—we just need the will to implement it.

Increased penalties for traffickers that reflect the severity of their crimes. When I worked in law enforcement, I was frustrated by how often these predators received inadequate sentences.

Greater support for organizations working to rescue trafficking victims and provide long-term rehabilitation. The trauma these children experience requires specialized care.

Community vigilance. Ordinary Americans need education on recognizing the signs of trafficking in their neighborhoods and workplaces.

A Personal Commitment

At Shadow Warriors Project, while we continue our mission to support contractors who serve America in dangerous places, we're also exploring how our expertise might contribute to combating child trafficking. Many of our contractors have backgrounds in security, intelligence, and law enforcement—skills that could prove valuable in this fight.

I've seen how evil operates in the shadows. But I've also witnessed the power of good men and women standing up with courage and commitment.

These children may have crossed our borders alone, but they shouldn't have to face what comes next alone. Whether through prayer, advocacy, financial support for anti-trafficking organizations, or increased personal awareness, each of us can play a role in turning the tide.

God, Country, Family. These values that guide Shadow Warriors Project remind us what's at stake. These children deserve protection. They deserve justice. They deserve a future.

And we must not rest until they receive it.