By USA Daily Now 
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has strongly refuted claims made by the Venezuelan government regarding the alleged separation of a child from parents linked to the violent TREN DE ARAGUA (TdA) gang. In a statement, DHS clarified that the child was removed from a deportation flight for her safety, as both parents were identified as high-ranking members of the criminal organization.
MAIKER ESPINOZA-ESCALONA, the child’s father, is a lieutenant within the TdA gang, overseeing heinous crimes including homicides, drug trafficking, kidnappings, extortion, and sex trafficking. His wife, YORELY ESCARLETH BERNAL INCIARTEDONALD TRUMP and Secretary KRISTI NOEM for their commitment to protecting children from exploitation and trafficking. The statement highlighted the administration’s collaboration with federal law enforcement and the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure the safety of vulnerable children.
DHS also criticized the previous administration for allowing unaccompanied minors to be placed with individuals involved in smuggling and trafficking. Under the current leadership, over 5,000 unaccompanied children have been reunited with family or placed in safe environments.
TRICIA MCLAUGHLIN, Assistant Secretary of DHS, addressed the controversy during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s *The Big Weekend Show*. She defended the administration’s policies, emphasizing the use of biometric testing and DNA verification to ensure the safety of children. McLaughlin stated, “We’ve put in place robust measures to prevent exploitation, as we’ve seen too many cases of children being used for criminal activities.”
The DHS reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children and combating human trafficking, vowing to continue its efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
**Source:** [DHS Official Statement](https://www.dhs.gov)