Shocking admission by a top Biden administration official has revealed a startling lapse in the vetting process for unaccompanied migrant children. Robin Dunn Marcos, a senior official at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), testified before the House Judiciary Committee that the agency does not investigate the criminal histories of migrant children in its care.
This revelation raises serious concerns about the thoroughness of background checks conducted by HHS on unaccompanied migrant juveniles. The agency’s lack of scrutiny has led to questions about the potential risks posed by allowing individuals with criminal backgrounds to enter the US unchecked.
The admission is particularly concerning given the surge in children crossing the border alone. Since President Biden took office in January 2021, more than 8 million migrants have entered the US along the southern border, with over 400,000 unaccompanied children released to vetted sponsors. However, HHS has faced criticism for losing track of at least 85,000 children, with many aged 15 or older and mostly boys.
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The lack of proper background checks has come under scrutiny following a case involving a 17-year-old migrant from El Salvador who was accused of murdering 20-year-old Kayla Hamilton in Maryland. The suspect, a member of the MS-13 gang, had been allowed into the US as a minor and released to a sponsor vetted by HHS.
A report by the Judiciary panel’s Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement blamed HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra for a “toxic situation” that allows gang-affiliated minors to enter the US without being flagged and referred to the Department of Justice. Becerra has been accused of prioritizing quick releases to sponsors over ensuring the safety of children in HHS care.
The revelations have sparked concerns about the integrity of the vetting process for unaccompanied migrant children and the potential risks posed by allowing individuals with criminal backgrounds to enter the US unchecked. As the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to address the shortcomings in the system, calls for more stringent background checks and safeguards for vulnerable children continue to grow.
In conclusion, the admission by HHS official Robin Dunn Marcos highlights a critical lapse in the vetting process for unaccompanied migrant children. The lack of proper background checks has raised concerns about the potential risks posed by allowing individuals with criminal backgrounds to enter the US unchecked. As the Biden administration faces scrutiny over its handling of migrant children, it must prioritize the safety and well-being of these vulnerable individuals and ensure that proper safeguards are in place to prevent criminals from exploiting the system.
