Sw Louisiana News

Congressman Clay Higgins, Chairman of the Border Security Subcommittee, along with House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, has issued a subpoena to Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The subpoena demands documents related to the screening and vetting process for sponsors who have taken custody of unaccompanied alien children from the Biden-Harris administration.

An August 2024 report by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General highlighted that over 291,000 unaccompanied alien children have been released into the United States without receiving immigration court dates. Furthermore, it was reported that more than 32,000 children did not attend their scheduled hearings. The report claims that over 200,000 immigrant children are unaccounted for by the administration, raising concerns about their safety and potential exposure to trafficking or exploitation.

In response to these findings, Congressman Higgins introduced H.R. 9654, known as the Stop Alien Children Trafficking Act. This legislation aims to hold the current administration accountable and is aligned with recommendations from DHS Inspector General Joe Cuffari. The bill seeks reforms based on Cuffari's report which critiques what he describes as significant failures by the Mayorkas-led Department of Homeland Security.

Congressman Higgins expressed strong criticism towards the Biden-Harris administration stating: "The number of unaccompanied minors that have crossed our southern border under the Biden-Harris administration’s watch is unconscionable." He emphasized Congress's duty to uncover truths for American citizens while accusing the White House of obstructing legislative efforts: "They’re hiding the truth. It’s abhorrent. Hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrant children are missing, and we demand answers."