The situation at the U.S.-Mexico border has been steadily worsening since Title 42 expired in May. The number of monthly encounters at the border has increased dramatically since June, with over 260,000 reported in September alone. But this crisis isn’t just about national security; it’s also a humanitarian disaster, and the evidence is undeniable.
Earlier this year, the House Committee on Homeland Security initiated an extensive investigation into how Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has managed the crisis. On Tuesday, the committee released its third interim report, shedding light on the devastating consequences of Mayorkas’ policies.
The report reveals the human toll of Mayorkas’ decisions, which include a surge in the fentanyl crisis, Border Patrol agents and their families struggling to cope with an unprecedented wave of illegal immigration, and innocent Americans becoming victims of crimes committed by those released into the country.
The crisis has also led to immense suffering for migrants, both during their perilous journey to the border and after their release into the United States.
Our investigation has uncovered shocking facts, such as a record number of migrants found dead on U.S. soil under Mayorkas’ policies—more than 1,700. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stopped reporting these numbers altogether. A Texas sheriff estimated in 2022 that for every body his deputies discover, there are five to ten more that remain unrecovered.
Surviving migrants often bear lifelong scars. Aaron Heitke, the former San Diego sector chief patrol agent, told our committee in May 2023 that “it’s very common that female migrants are raped during the process of traveling to the U.S. border.” Heitke stated, “Most of them believe it’s just part of the payment as they go up.” One Cuban woman, who was assaulted during her journey, shared, “Even if I make it to the U.S. and live out my American dream, I don’t think I’ll be able to say that crossing the Darién was worth it.”
Moreover, the soaring number of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) crossing the Southwest border—over 400,000 since FY21—has created another extensive humanitarian crisis. These children are often exploited on their way to the border, with some single adults claiming them as their own to increase their chances of quick release into the country.
Once in the United States, these unaccompanied children are at risk of exploitation by “sponsors” who can easily assume custody of them. This is made even easier by Biden administration policies prioritizing the swift release of UACs over ensuring their safety with legitimate sponsors. A 2023 Florida grand jury investigation revealed that around 280,000 UACs were released to individuals who were not their parents or legal guardians. Some ended up as forced labor or victims of sexual slavery, and approximately 85,000 simply disappeared off the administration’s radar.
There is a way to end this self-inflicted crisis, alleviate the suffering, and prevent the exploitation of thousands.
First, Congress should cease funding the policies that are driving this crisis. The House of Representatives recently passed a DHS appropriations bill that supports DHS law enforcement while rejecting Secretary Mayorkas’ request for millions of dollars to enhance CBP’s mass-processing operation, which indirectly benefits human smugglers.
Second, the Senate must pass H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, and President Joe Biden must sign it into law. This legislation addresses many issues fueling the crisis, including closing loopholes exploited by criminal cartels to traffic and smuggle unaccompanied children.
Finally, Secretary Mayorkas must be held accountable for his leadership. Whether these failed policies are his or the president’s, he has diligently implemented and defended them. It’s time for decisive action to end this crisis.
The solutions are clear, and the human costs of inaction are too severe to ignore any longer.
