Senate Report Alleges Roadblocks in Migrant Child Trafficking Investigations

Child holding teddy bear near people and tent outside.

The Senate report led by Senator Bill Cassidy alleges obstruction by the Biden Administration in investigations into migrant child trafficking, raising questions about the administration’s transparency.

At a Glance

  • Senate report accuses Biden administration of obstructing migrant child trafficking investigations.
  • Approximately 250,000 unaccompanied children have entered the U.S. in the past two years.
  • Investigation highlights failures in child protection policies and rise in illegal child labor.
  • Report claims the administration stonewalled congressional and state oversight.

Senate Accusations Against the Biden Administration

The Senate committee’s report spearheaded by Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy accuses the Biden-Harris administration of obstructing crucial investigations into the trafficking and exploitation of migrant children traveling alone. The report sheds light on communication lapses and alleged intervention in state-level probes, claiming these actions hindered oversight intended to ensure the welfare of these vulnerable children. By failing to respond adequately to requests for information, the administration is accused of blocking efforts to uphold child protection protocols.

Ranking Member Lou Correa led a joint subcommittee hearing, emphasizing bipartisan solutions necessary to protect unaccompanied migrant children. Correa highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, such as violence and poverty in home countries. The call for transparency and accountability has intensified as the report details failures, including weakened sponsor vetting processes and reliance on contractors with poor performance records.

Exploitation of Migrant Children

The investigation led by Senator Cassidy focused on the treatment and care of unaccompanied minors entering the United States. Findings noted a troubling rise in illegal child labor, with approximately 250,000 unaccompanied children entering the U.S. over the past two years, many reportedly working full-time jobs. The administration is accused of being aware of these issues yet failing to implement effective measures to counteract these phenomena, raising concerns about their commitment to safeguarding these children.

“The exploitation of unaccompanied children has been documented for years. The Biden-Harris administration should have fixed its policies to protect these children, but instead, it subverted Congress and states to cover up its mistakes. This lack of transparency to the American people is reprehensible. It is hard to see this as anything other than an attempt to shield the Biden-Harris administration from accountability.” – Sen. Bill Cassidy

Despite multiple inquiries, Cassidy’s office reportedly faced delays and non-responses from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding information on the care and safety of migrant children. The report claims federal officials have lost track of tens of thousands of unaccompanied migrant children since fiscal year 2019, increasing concerns about their vulnerability to exploitation.

The Push for Transparency

The Senate report accuses the Biden-Harris administration of stonewalling congressional oversight efforts and obstructing state investigations, with Cassidy and others demanding policy changes and greater transparency. These revelations underscore the urgent need for accountability, as the administration confronts criticism for not addressing policies that could better protect vulnerable children.

The gravity of these allegations has significant implications for the administration’s immigration policies and child protection measures. The call from both sides of the aisle remains clear—there is a pressing need for concrete actions to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors.

Sources:

  1. RANKING MEMBER CORREA DELIVERS OPENING STATEMENT IN JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING: “Trafficked, Exploited, and Missing: Migrant Children Victims of the Biden-Harris Administration”
  2. Senate report claims Biden failures in protecting migrant children

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