Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized the Biden administration for allegedly ignoring reports of sexual abuse against migrants during a press conference on June 11, 2026. Mullin stated, "We're going to enforce our nation's laws, and we're going to right the wrongs that the Biden administration turned a blind eye to," referencing reports that over a third of female migrants experienced sexual assault before reaching the U.S. border.
Senator Chuck Grassley obtained data from the Department of Health and Human Services indicating that 65,605 reports concerning migrant children were ignored or dismissed under President Biden, including 7,346 human trafficking reports. In contrast, the Trump administration reportedly initiated numerous legal investigations into these reports shortly after taking office.
During the press conference, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the indictment of three individuals from Guatemala for allegedly smuggling children into the U.S. by exploiting legal loopholes. Blanche noted that there are over 15,500 identified cases involving sponsors who have taken in multiple unrelated children.
Mullin expressed a personal commitment to addressing the issue, stating, "As a father of six with three young girls, I'll do whatever I have to do, I will. I will move heaven and hell to go find these kids." He emphasized the need for justice against those responsible for the abuse.
A 2021 report from the HHS Office of Inspector General found that many sponsors of child migrants were not properly vetted, with 19% lacking necessary background checks. While the Biden administration faced scrutiny for its handling of migrant children, it has taken steps to address abuse concerns, including a lawsuit against a facility accused of employee misconduct.
The Department of Justice and the Biden administration did not provide immediate comments on the allegations raised during the press conference.