The Biden administration has failed to investigate over 65,000 abuse reports concerning unaccompanied migrant children, according to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). These reports include allegations of human trafficking, abuse, and placement with potentially dangerous sponsors. Grassley asserts that this negligence has endangered vulnerable minors and obstructed efforts to rescue them.
Data from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reveals a backlog of 65,605 reports related to unaccompanied migrant children. Since February 2025, HHS has processed only 18,868 cases, leaving thousands of serious allegations unaddressed. These include 7,346 human trafficking reports and 1,688 cases involving possibly fraudulent sponsors. Investigations have led to 528 leads, 36 prosecutions, and three convictions.
Grassley criticized HHS for obstructing investigations and placing children with potentially dangerous sponsors. He highlighted that the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) ignored safety risks and prioritized rapid placement over thorough vetting. Internal documents showed that then-HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra likened the ideal turnover rate to an “assembly line.”
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General reported that 32,000 migrant children are missing after failing to appear for immigration court hearings. Whistleblowers allege that many of these children have been exploited or trafficked. Grassley has called for immediate action to locate and rescue these minors.
Grassley also criticized HHS for failing to comply with subpoenas and information requests from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). He noted that HHS’s lack of cooperation has hindered efforts to investigate over 100 suspicious sponsors. “HHS under Secretary Becerra obstructed my investigation and instructed contractors and grantees not to answer,” Grassley stated.
In response to these findings, Grassley has urged HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to provide an immediate update on efforts to find and rescue children placed in harm’s way. He emphasized the moral duty to protect these vulnerable minors and ensure accountability within the system.
