From the article  

“As I said earlier, migrants are also victims of cartel atrocities. Once individuals are smuggled into the United States, the cartels often continue to extort and use them. According to Mayorkas’ own department, there has been an increase in “alternative forms of payment in exchange for passage, including migrants being required to participate in smuggling controlled substances or other illicit items across the border or to work off debts through criminal activity upon arrival in the United States.”  

As many as 60% of unaccompanied minors are kidnapped and exploited by the cartels. Other migrants are sexually abused and assaulted. One victim told the New York Times, “You have to pay with your body” and some are even forced to allow their children to be abused. I can’t imagine anything worse.”