End Child Trafficking Now Act

Senate Bill

S. 52

119th Congress

End Child Trafficking Now Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 9, 2025

Primary Sponsor

John Thune

Senator

Republican

SD

Cosponsors

10

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Immigration

Summary

This bill requires adults entering the U.S. with a minor to prove they are a relative or guardian through documents, witnesses, or DNA testing. Immigration officers may arrest adults who cannot prove a relationship and are suspected of child trafficking. Using an unrelated child to enter the U.S. is made a criminal offense.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill requires adults entering the U.S. with a minor to prove they are a relative or guardian through documents, witnesses, or DNA testing. Immigration officers may arrest adults who cannot prove a relationship and are suspected of child trafficking. Using an unrelated child to enter the U.S. is made a criminal offense.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

End Child Trafficking Now ActThis bill imposes restrictions related to adult non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) being admitted into the United States with a minor.Such an adult may not be admitted with a minor unless the adult (1) presents documents and witness testimony proving that the adult is a relative or guardian of the minor, or (2) submits to a DNA test that proves such a relationship. The Department of Homeland Security may request a DNA test only if the required relationship cannot be established by the presented documents and witness testimony. An adult who does not consent to a requested DNA test shall be inadmissible.If the required relationship cannot be established and the immigration officer believes the adult is guilty of a felony offense, the officer may arrest the adult.The bill makes it a crime for an adult to knowingly use a minor to whom the adult is not a relative or guardian to enter the United States.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Requires proof of relationship for adults with minors at border
Authorizes DNA testing to verify family relationships
Criminalizes using unrelated children to enter U.S.
Allows arrest when relationship cannot be proven
Aims to prevent child trafficking at border

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Border officials would have stronger tools to identify potential child trafficking. Adults traveling with unrelated children could face criminal charges. The requirement could slow legitimate border crossings but supporters argue it protects vulnerable children from exploitation.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Immigration

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

52, 119th Congress (2025). "End Child Trafficking Now Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-52