85,000 migrant children have vanished under HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra’s watch, sparking fears of widespread trafficking and exploitation.
At a Glance
- House Republicans grilled HHS Secretary Becerra over unaccounted migrant children and vetting processes
- Concerns raised about potential exploitation and abuse of children placed with unvetted sponsors
- Labor Department reports 88% increase in child labor trafficking since 2019
- HHS whistleblower alleges involvement in a “multi-billion-dollar child trafficking operation”
- Becerra claims HHS follows “child welfare best practices” but faces criticism for inadequate oversight
HHS Under Fire for Lost Migrant Children
The Biden administration’s handling of unaccompanied migrant children has come under intense scrutiny. House Republicans recently grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra about the alarming number of unaccounted-for migrant children and the vetting process for their sponsors. The revelation that HHS has lost contact with over 85,000 children after their release to sponsors has raised serious concerns about their safety and potential exploitation.
Republicans accused the administration of hastily placing migrant children with unvetted sponsors, leading to potential abuse and exploitation. Congressman Burgess Owens questioned Secretary Becerra about these reports, expressing concerns about the children’s vulnerability to slavery and trafficking.
House Republicans grill HHS Secretary Becerra over migrant children: 'Would not want to be you' https://t.co/i4tLiyAbHn
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 21, 2024
Becerra’s Defense and Republican Criticism
Becerra defended HHS practices, claiming they follow “child welfare best practices” with “extensive” background checks. He stated, “No sponsor would be allowed to take a child if we have information that shows that they are engaged in criminal activity.” However, his assurances did little to quell Republican concerns. Rep. Andy Biggs, Republican of Arizona, shot back:
“How can you say that the No. 1 priority is the safety of these unaccompanied children when you’re placing them in sponsors’ homes that occasionally have had criminal gang affiliations because there are no proper background checks?”
Becerra attempted to clarify that the 85,000 figure refers to voluntary calls made to children and sponsors, with no obligation for them to respond. He emphasized that HHS’s role ends once a child is placed with a vetted supervisor, shifting responsibility to the Department of Homeland Security for vetting sponsors.
Alarming Increase in Child Labor Trafficking
The Labor Department reported an 88% increase in child labor trafficking in Fiscal Year 2023 compared to 2019, with nearly 6,000 children found working in dangerous jobs. This surge coincides with the arrival of over 250,000 unaccompanied migrant children in the U.S. over two years, many ending up in illegal and punishing jobs.
A New York Times investigation revealed widespread child labor violations, prompting the White House to announce policy changes and a crackdown on companies employing children. Despite these efforts, the exploitation of migrant children continues to be a pressing issue.
Calls for Reform and Accountability
The hearing ended with Rep. Tom McClintock warning Becerra about the potential negative historical view of his tenure. Republicans criticized HHS’s Office of Refugee Resettlement for its apparent lack of oversight and follow-up on placed children. Becerra, however, emphasized that it is up to Congress to change the current system if desired.
