Arizona Gov: Feds Unsure of Identities of Illegal Immigrant 'Sponsors'

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said federal officials confirmed during a Tuesday conference call that illegal immigrant children are being released to adults or “sponsors” whose identities the federal government often cannot verify. 

The Republican governor said she “was confirmed what I have long suspected” during the call – “the Obama administration has specifically chosen to avoid its due diligence and is releasing Unaccompanied Alien Children into the care and custody of so-called ‘sponsors’ — individuals about whom the administration does not check immigration or deportation status.”

According to a leaked Department of Homeland Security report that Breitbart Texas obtained, “fewer than 50% of the unaccompanied children have been discharged to a mother or father.” The report found that “adult siblings,” “aunts,” “uncles,” “grandparents,” or “more distant relatives, family, or associates” make up the majority of adults who are picking up the “unaccompanied” children. And many adults have showed up repeatedly to claim various children.

“As a Governor, it’s beyond frustrating that, once again, this administration deliberately neglects its duty to act in a responsible manner and uphold the law,” she said. “But as a mother, it’s unconscionable that federal officials willingly release children into the permanent custody of people of which little – if anything – is known.”

Brewer called on President Barack Obama to “immediately correct this practice and expedite the removal of illegal aliens to their home country.”

“The American people have had enough,” Brewer said. “They demand immediate action to return illegal aliens – whether adults or minors – to their countries of origin and secure our border. I am confident voters will hold our elected officials accountable at the ballot box.”

Recent polling confirms that a majority of Americans agree with Brewer in wanting the illegal immigrant children sent back as quickly as possible. A Gallup poll even found that illegal immigration is now the “top problem” facing Americans. 

Brewer said she and other governors were on the conference call with Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell, and two White House officials.