Becerra’s Oversight of Migrant Children Sparks Controversy in Gubernatorial Race

The issue of tracking missing migrant children has emerged as a critical topic in California’s gubernatorial race, particularly regarding Xavier Becerra’s performance. Critics have voiced concerns about his handling of the situation, notably leaving many children in unsafe conditions.

A former senior adviser at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) criticized Becerra’s approach on Monday, indicating that around 130,000 children remain unaccounted for. This comes after Republican candidate Steve Hilton disclosed whistleblower claims about child labor and trafficking involving children as young as six.

In a recent investigation, it was reported that government agencies failed to reach out to over 85,000 children, revealing that one-third of migrant children lost contact with authorities. Chris Klemm, a former U.S. Border Patrol agent, argues that more than what was disclosed is at stake, and points the finger directly at Becerra, who served under President Biden.

“This is the most significant border crisis we’ve ever seen, with an unprecedented number of missing children,” said Klemm. He questioned whether Becerra has taken any lessons from his HHS tenure, suggesting he had not handled the responsibilities effectively.

During Becerra’s time as HHS secretary from 2021 to early 2025, nearly 480,000 unaccompanied migrant children entered U.S. custody. Klemm remarked on the chaotic situation during that period, implying a lack of accountability within HHS. Allegations from caseworkers have surfaced, detailing troubling cases where children in Southern California were assigned to poorly vetted sponsors, leading to disappearances after leaving federal facilities.

Whistleblowers mentioned instances where children were removed from the center in the early morning hours without proper supervision, raising serious questions about their safety and treatment.

Homeland Security officials noted that during Biden’s administration, they identified at least 146,000 missing migrant children. Klemm criticized Becerra for prioritizing swift releases of children over thorough sponsor evaluations, which he believes led to numerous unforeseen issues.

Comments on the situation continued to escalate, as Becerra’s campaign defended his record, attributing challenges to the prior administration’s policies. They argued that while Becerra worked to rebuild a fragmented child protection system, Hilton aligned himself with a president who endangered children by implementing harmful policies.

Despite Becerra’s defense, concerns persist regarding the treatment of vulnerable children. Hilton has made this issue a central theme of his campaign, expressing that it reflects Becerra’s true character and competence.

Hilton maintains that the issues surrounding missing migrant children are not merely bureaucratic failures but result from intentional mismanagement on Becerra’s part. His sharp critiques highlight a broader discussion on child welfare and responsibility in the political arena.