House Republicans Pressure HHS Secretary on Safety of Migrant Children
In a tense hearing on Wednesday, House Republicans interrogated Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra regarding the Biden administration’s handling of unaccompanied migrant children. Lawmakers voiced alarm over thousands of children who remain unaccounted for and questioned the vetting processes for their sponsors amidst rising concerns over potential exploitation and abuse.
Issues Surrounding Child Welfare
Testifying before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Becerra highlighted his department’s responsibilities through the Refugee Resettlement Office (ORR), which oversees the care and placement of unaccompanied minors. However, subcommittee members, primarily from the Republican party, accused the administration of hastily releasing these vulnerable children into the hands of unvetted sponsors, sometimes with criminal backgrounds.
“How can you claim that the safety of these unaccompanied children is your top priority when you are placing them with sponsors who occasionally have criminal gang affiliations due to insufficient background checks?” asked Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., during the hearing.
Claims of Insufficient Background Checks
In response, Secretary Becerra asserted that the agency adheres to “child welfare best practices” that encompass “extensive” background checks. “No sponsor would be permitted to take a child if we have information demonstrating that they are involved in criminal activities,” he maintained.
Nevertheless, lawmakers argued that the administration’s record shows a troubling trend, with thousands of violent criminals and unaccompanied minors being released across the country. Citing tragic incidents, including the murder of college student Laken Riley by an illegal immigrant, they drew parallels to the preventable dangers associated with the current immigration policies.
Consequences of the Current Policies
Other lawmakers pointed to the shocking case of Kayla Hamilton, who was killed in 2022 by Walter Javier Martinez, an undocumented immigrant who had previously been resisted in El Salvador. Martinez had entered the ORR system as an unaccompanied child, despite past arrests back home. As Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif. and subcommittee Chair, noted, “One call to Salvadoran authorities would have confirmed this and an association with MS-13. Instead, Martinez was released into our country without proper vetting, and he has since confessed to four murders, two rapes, and several other crimes.”
The disturbing trend continued with the case of 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez, tragically found murdered and sexually assaulted in her home. Her alleged killer, Juan Carlos Garcia-Rodriguez, also entered the United States illegally from Guatemala in 2023 and was able to stay through a sponsor in Louisiana.
The Role of HHS and DHS in the Vetting Process
During the session, Secretary Becerra explained that while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for vetting unaccompanied children, HHS performs background checks on potential sponsors once a child is placed under their care. “HHS’s custodial responsibility for unaccompanied children through ORR ends when we place the child with an appropriately vetted supervisor,” he stated.
Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, drew attention to immigration statistics, noting that the Biden administration has welcomed over 100,000 refugees in the last year, compared to around 12,000 in 2020 under President Trump. “Under the Biden-Harris administration, Americans are left behind as the needs of new immigrants are prioritized,” he asserted, emphasizing frustration among American citizens.
Failure to Address Concerns
The committee expressed disappointment when Becerra was unable to articulate how his department would change its approach moving forward. “Do you understand the implications of your decisions for a population that’s nearing the size of Wyoming?” McClintock asked indignantly, referring to challenges arising from mixing innocent children with potential gang members masquerading as minors.
As the hearing concluded, McClintock warned Becerra that his history and legacy would be scrutinized by future historians. “When the history of this administration is written, I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes looking back at what has been done during your tenure,” he remarked.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
This hearing sheds light on the significant concerns surrounding the safety and welfare of unaccompanied migrant children within the U.S. Clearly, comprehensive reforms are needed to ensure that vulnerable populations are not exposed to greater risks under the current administration’s immigration policies.
As lawmakers continue to voice their concerns and advocate for better protective measures, it remains to be seen how the HHS will respond and what actions will be taken to improve the current situation.
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