The idea that the children were "ripped from their parents' arms" is, indeed, misleading. This is still happening though -- just to other families. That seems to be the root of the confusion.

Focusing on the "1,500 children" story -- it's true that they are not necessarily "lost." They're not like, wandering around the country aimlessly. But we have no idea where they are! That's still a problem!

Roughly 20% of families that took in immigrant children did not respond to the survey about where they are now. The fact that we have no further way to figure out the answer is a problem!

So yes, there was some sensational and misleading journalism. That is important to point out. But it's equally false to say "Those families just didn't respond to the survey, I'm sure the kids are FINE." The truth is we have no fucking idea how those kids are, which in itself is a problem for children that were placed into homes by a government program.