As Xavier Becerra seeks to increase his standing in California’s Democratic primary for governor, he is grappling with a significant cloud over his record. The controversy revolves around the missing migrant children during his time as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This issue arose amid a surge of unaccompanied minors crossing the border. Shelters became overwhelmed, leading to these vulnerable children ending up in jail-like facilities or makeshift tent cities in urban areas.
The situation escalated, prompting the Biden administration to pressure staff to expedite the release of children to their sponsors. The New York Times published a damning investigation in February 2023, highlighting how the rush to move children out of shelters compromised safety protocols. During a meeting, Becerra reportedly criticized HHS staff for not increasing the efficiency of the process, likening it to an assembly line. He emphasized the need for swift action, but this occurred at a time when protections that had been in place for years were being rolled back.
A stark warning was issued by several officials within the HHS department overseeing unaccompanied minors. Their concerns pointed to a growing risk of child labor trafficking, warning that the system was focusing on rapid releases rather than ensuring safe placements. Data revealed by the Times showed that over a span of two years, more than 85,000 children became untraceable by federal authorities. In response to allegations that these children had been “lost,” Becerra argued they were simply with vetted sponsors who failed to respond to follow-up calls.
Becerra’s team attempted to shift the narrative, attributing the problems to a broken immigration system inherited from the previous administration. They insisted that HHS’s authority over the children ended once they were with sponsors. However, scrutiny persisted. In February 2024, the HHS Office of Inspector General uncovered serious deficiencies in how sponsors were screened and monitored. Their findings noted missing documentation for safety checks in a significant number of cases and a lack of timely follow-ups.
A Democratic campaign strategist was harsh in their assessment, stating, “Xavier Becerra failed those kids, failed the country, and failed to do his job.” This sentiment reflects broader concerns about Becerra’s capabilities and his suitability for higher office given his record. Critics argue that voters deserve better than a former cabinet secretary who struggled to oversee his own department.
The political fallout continued as House Republicans subpoenaed Becerra to obtain records related to the vetting of sponsors. They received a trove of documents but contended that none adequately addressed their concerns. The issue escalated to the point where Becerra was called back to testify before Congress multiple times, yet a clear resolution remained elusive. As watchdog reports highlighted ongoing issues, the picture of government oversight—or lack thereof—became increasingly troubling.
As Becerra campaigns for the governor’s office, the shadows of his past decisions loom large. The response to this controversy will likely play a crucial role in shaping voter perception as the primary approaches.
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