Allegations of negligence in managing trafficked migrant children during Alejandro Mayorkas’ DHS tenure call into question government accountability.
At a Glance
- The joint hearing titled “Trafficked, Exploited, and Missing: Migrant Children Victims of the Biden-Harris Administration” examines the crisis under Mayorkas’ watch.
- DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas claims child trafficking is outside DHS’s responsibility once minors are transferred to HHS.
- A DHS inspector general report criticized ICE for failing to track released migrant children.
- The lack of inter-agency coordination raises questions about the federal government’s effectiveness in handling the crisis.
Hearing to Address Crisis
A joint hearing titled “Trafficked, Exploited, and Missing: Migrant Children Victims of the Biden-Harris Administration” is set for November 19, 2024, organized by the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement alongside the Subcommittee on Oversight, Accountability, and Investigations. Witnesses scheduled to testify include J.J. Carrell, Alicia Hopper, Kathy Larin, and Tara Rodas. The hearing will be conducted at 310 Cannon House Office Building and livestreamed on YouTube to allow for public and press participation.
The hearing aims to investigate ongoing failures in addressing the needs of trafficked migrant children, amid claims of systematic negligence. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has faced sharp criticism, particularly from conservative lawmakers who accuse him of failing to uphold his duties. This challenge highlights inefficiencies and possible ethical issues in managing vulnerable young migrants.
Accountability and Criticism
Mayorkas has been criticized for asserting that child trafficking falls outside DHS’s scope once children are transferred to Health and Human Services (HHS). He defended DHS’s actions, stating, “We certainly have received reports of children being trafficked, but that is outside the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security.” His comments underscore the necessity for inter-agency cooperation in addressing these issues, amid reports of numerous children going unaccounted for after release from government care.
Representative Chip Roy and incoming “border czar” Tom Homan emphasize the need for accountability and public engagement in locating the missing children. Homan’s plan to involve U.S. citizens underscores the depth of the crisis, with over 340,000 migrant children reportedly missing. These issues have placed increased pressure on Mayorkas to act decisively.
Problems of Oversight and Future Implications
The challenges in tracking and monitoring released migrant children reveal serious lapses in federal oversight. An Office of Inspector General audit found that over 32,000 unaccompanied minors were not effectively tracked following their release. This has exacerbated concerns around failed immigration policies and highlighted the administration’s struggles in addressing trafficking issues.
Amid this crisis, conservative critics stress the need for a reevaluation of current policies to prevent future negligence. Observers hope that the incoming administration will take a more proactive stance toward this urgent problem, ensuring that governmental responsibilities are clearly defined and consistently met.
Sources:
- Mayorkas says child trafficking is outside DHS responsibility
- DHS Says Children Being Trafficked ‘Outside’ Its Responsibility – Newsweek
- Mayorkas: Trafficked Migrant Kids ‘Outside’ DHS Responsibility – PJ Media
