WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a briefing from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Education and Labor Committee Republican Members, led by Republican Leader Virginia Foxx (R-NC), sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra today voicing concern about the Biden administration’s catch-and-release policy at the border which, among other crises, could be fueling child trafficking.

In the letter, the Members write: “One of the most troubling aspects of the unending stream of asylum-seeking migrants entering the country at the southwest border is our ability to protect the children crossing the border… From receiving adequate health exams to education to legal services, child advocates are concerned about the treatment of these children, who range from toddlers to teenagers. One concern, in particular, is whether these children are victims of child trafficking.” The Members continue: “The administration must treat this crisis as the emergency that it is and actively prevent predators from exploiting weaknesses in the enforcement of our laws.”

Read the full letter to Secretaries Mayorkas and Becerra here. 

Full list of signatories:

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Ranking Member

Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT)

Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA)

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA)

Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI)