Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines, alongside Senator Chuck Grassley and other Republican colleagues, addressed a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris criticizing the administration's handling of unaccompanied migrant children. The letter highlights several concerns about the current policies.

The lawmakers stated, "As a result of your open-borders policies, overseen by Vice President Harris, who was tasked with 'stemming the migration' at our border with Mexico, more than 500,000 unaccompanied alien children (UACs) have crossed the southwest border without a parent or guardian to provide care since you took office." They noted that these children often face severe abuse and trafficking during their journey.

The letter also criticized changes made by the current administration regarding familial DNA testing and post-release services for children placed with sponsors. "Your Administration further stripped Customs and Border Protection officials of their ability to conduct familial DNA testing," they wrote. Additionally, early in Biden's term, protections proposed by the Trump Administration for post-release services were canceled. According to the senators, these actions have led to negative outcomes for migrant children.

Senators Bill Cassidy, Ron Johnson, Mike Crapo, John Cornyn, Lindsey Graham, John Thune, Roger Wicker, Jim Risch, John Hoeven, Mike Lee, Tim Scott, Ted Cruz, Deb Fischer, Shelley Moore Capito James Lankford Dan Sullivan John Kennedy Marsha Blackburn Kevin Cramer Mike Braun Josh Hawley Rick Scott Roger Marshall Tommy Tuberville Markwayne Mullin Katie Britt Pete Ricketts joined Grassley and Daines in sending this letter.

House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan along with Representatives Tom McLintock Matt Gaetz Andy Biggs Chip Roy Dan Bishop Scott Fitzgerald Cliff Bentz Ben Cline Barry Moore Russell Fry Harriet Hageman Wesley Hunt Laurel Lee Michael Rulli co-signed from the House.