House Panel Subpoenas Top Officials Over Disappearance of Migrant Children

House panel subpoenas VP Harris and HHS over alarming number of missing migrant children, raising concerns about the Biden administration’s border policies.

At a Glance

House Judiciary Committee subpoenas VP Harris and HHS Secretary Becerra for information on unaccompanied migrant children.
Committee estimates over 145,000 unaccompanied alien children have lost contact with HHS after placement with sponsors.
Republicans criticize the Biden administration’s border policies and handling of the migrant crisis.
Concerns raised about the safety and well-being of unaccounted-for migrant children.

House Panel Takes Action on Missing Migrant Children

The House Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Jim Jordan, has issued subpoenas to Vice President Kamala Harris and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. The subpoenas demand information regarding the alarming number of unaccompanied migrant children who have gone missing after being placed in federal custody. This action comes amid growing concerns over the Biden administration’s handling of the border crisis and the safety of these vulnerable minors.

#SUBPOENAED: According to new Committee estimates, “Border Czar” Kamala Harris and HHS have LOST contact with 145,000+ unaccompanied alien children after placing them with sponsors, including ILLEGAL ALIENS.

We’re subpoenaing more information from “Border Czar” Harris and HHS… pic.twitter.com/ivaoEVjfm0

— House Judiciary GOP 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryGOP) September 4, 2024

According to the committee’s estimates, over 145,000 unaccompanied alien children have lost contact with HHS after being placed with sponsors, including some who are illegal aliens themselves. This staggering number has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the current system and the potential risks these children may face.

VP Harris’s Role as ‘Border Czar’ Under Scrutiny

The subpoena issued to Vice President Harris specifically seeks information on her efforts in her capacity as “border czar.” Republicans have been critical of Harris’s performance in this role, arguing that she has failed to adequately address the ongoing crisis at the southern border. The committee’s action is part of a broader effort to scrutinize the Vice President’s record ahead of the November election.

Chairman Jordan has accused HHS of obstructing the committee’s oversight efforts by not providing requested data for over a year. In a letter accompanying the subpoena, Jordan stated that HHS’s response to previous information requests has been “woefully inadequate.” The committee is seeking documents showing the number of unaccompanied children HHS has been unable to contact through Safety and Well-being Calls, as well as other pertinent information.

Concerns Over Child Safety and Potential Criminal Ties

The subpoenas also request information on the care and custody of unaccompanied migrant children with suspected gang ties or those sponsored by U.S. residents with criminal convictions. This comes in light of a case highlighted by the Judiciary Committee involving an unaccompanied minor from El Salvador who was charged with sexual assault and murder in Maryland.

Biden Administration’s Border Policies Under Fire

Republicans have consistently blamed the Biden administration for the increase in illegal border crossings, criticizing the reversal of Trump-era policies. They argue that these changes have led to a surge in migration and created a humanitarian crisis at the southern border. The administration, for its part, maintains that migration is a hemispheric issue and that they are working to create a more orderly and humane system.

As the debate over border security and immigration policy continues, the fate of these missing migrant children remains a pressing concern. The House Judiciary Committee’s subpoenas represent a significant escalation in efforts to hold the administration accountable and to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied minors in federal custody.