The recent reports indicating that nearly 300,000 immigrant children are now unaccounted for under the Biden/Harris Administration's watch are deeply troubling and demand scrutiny. Just a year ago, the figure was around 85,000, a significant discrepancy that raises serious questions about the administration's handling of immigration policies and child welfare. The rapid escalation in the number of missing children highlights a glaring lapse in oversight and accountability that cannot be ignored.
As Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs, I held a hearing last April to conduct oversight into how President Biden's reckless immigration policies are endangering - not protecting - migrant children. Our witness, Robin Dunn Marcos, who serves as Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), was brought in to address our concerns regarding 85,000 missing kids. Unfortunately, Director Dunn Marcos was unable to answer basic questions about the handling of unaccompanied migrant children under her leadership. Evidently, the agency has prioritized the speedy release of these children over their safety.
On their first day in office, the Biden/Harris administration overturned many proven border security strategies by executive action. Since that day, illegal crossings overall, which includes unaccompanied children, have exploded. This has been covered by the media but not nearly to the extent it should. Kamala Harris, as Vice President and a key figure in the administration's immigration strategy, bears a significant responsibility in answering questions about the Administration's efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable children. For the sake of these children, it is important that leaders be held accountable for the crisis, and that a thorough investigation be conducted to determine the causes and implement necessary reforms.