As Xavier Becerra vies for more votes in the California Democratic primary for governor, he faces significant scrutiny over a scandal linked to missing immigrant children from his time as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
This controversy emerged during a surge in migrants, especially unaccompanied minors. Shelters became overcrowded, forcing children into federal facilities that resembled prisons and into large tent cities in urban areas.
A critical investigation by The New York Times in February 2023 highlighted the pressure on the Biden administration. The distressing images of these children prompted demands for quicker transitions to shelters and vetted sponsors, aimed at shielding them from human trafficking and other risks.
Becerra once remarked, “If Henry Ford had seen this in his factory, he wouldn’t have been famous and rich.” This comment came as HHS began to ease certain safeguards that had been in place over the years, including background checks and file reviews for children.
Concerns within HHS about rising child labor trafficking had emerged, leading to anxieties that the system encouraged expedited releases rather than prioritizing safety for these children.
Data reveals that over 85,000 children have been reported lost to federal authorities in the last two years. Becerra contended that these minors hadn’t truly disappeared; rather, they were in the care of vetted sponsors who failed to respond to follow-up calls. He and his supporters also emphasized that HHS’s legal responsibility ends once a child is placed with a sponsor.
Staffers on Becerra’s campaign asserted that the secretary has worked hard to fix a broken immigration system left by the previous administration, implying that he isn’t to blame for the current situation.
However, a February 2024 report from HHS’s Office of Inspector General indicated shortcomings in how sponsors were screened and monitored, with a significant number of case files lacking necessary documentation for safety checks. Follow-ups were often either late or not properly documented.
Upon the release of these findings, prior reports suggested that the push for quicker releases might have compromised safety measures, increasing risks associated with releasing children to unsafe sponsors.
A seasoned Democratic strategist criticized Becerra, stating, “He has failed his children, his country, and his responsibilities.” This sentiment reflected doubts about his potential as governor considering his prior record.
Following the investigative report, House Republicans subpoenaed HHS for documents regarding their processes for vetting and monitoring sponsors of immigrant minors. Despite receiving extensive documentation, they felt their concerns remained unaddressed, prompting further inquiries.
The ongoing dispute has yet to reach a clear resolution, with House Republicans continuing to seek answers about the reliability of the government’s tracking of unaccompanied minors in the U.S.
