Kirk calls for background checks for unaccompanied minors entering US

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Sen. Mark Kirk is calling for criminal background checks on unaccompanied minors entering U.S. borders illegally so they don't pose any threat.

Kirk says 429 unaccompanied minors from the Mexican border are now in Chicago and currently in Health and Human Services custody.

The senator sent letters Thursday to the U.S. embassies in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador inquiring about those background checks.