Biden Administration Faces Scrutiny Over Unaccompanied Migrant Children Crisis

Lawmakers and whistleblowers expose failures in vetting and oversight, leading to exploitation and trafficking of vulnerable children.

More than 500,000 unaccompanied migrant children have entered the U.S. under the Biden administration, with over 300,000 unaccounted for after being placed with sponsors.
Whistleblowers and experts testified that federal agencies failed to adequately vet sponsors, enabling trafficking, exploitation, and abuse of children, including cases of sexual violence.
Reports revealed instances of children being sent to sponsors with criminal backgrounds, including gang affiliations, and some addresses receiving dozens of children without proper investigation.
Lawmakers accused the administration of prioritizing speed over safety in processing children, with policies eliminating DNA testing and reducing oversight of sponsor placements.
Republican officials and incoming Trump administration leaders pledged to address the crisis by locating missing children and holding those responsible for trafficking accountable.