Oakland, CA – A passionate group of activists gathered in front of the Oakland Federal Building on October 23, 2024, demanding government accountability for the estimated 325,000 migrant children who have gone missing at the U.S. border. Holding signs with messages like “Children Are Not For Sale,” “Our Kids Are Our Future,” and “Taken But Not Forgotten,” protestors aimed to bring attention to what they see as a severe humanitarian crisis and government inaction.
The rally was part of a nationwide candlelight vigil organized by the Mom and Dad Army, a coalition of survivor-led organizations working to protect vulnerable children. Cities across America hosted similar events, with participants lighting candles to honor the missing children and push for change.
Cheyenne Kennedy, President of Turning Point USA at Berkeley and a key speaker at the event took the opportunity to criticize the federal government’s response to the issue. “It’s about the missing kids. Why hasn’t the government done anything?” Kennedy questioned, stressing that the federal government has a responsibility to secure the border and protect migrant children from trafficking. She argued that current immigration policies are too lenient, inadvertently enabling traffickers who exploit unaccompanied children.
Kennedy called for stricter border policies and improved tracking systems to help locate the missing children and prevent further exploitation. Her words echoed the sentiments of many attendees who believe the federal government must do more to ensure the safety and well-being of these children.
This rally not only highlighted the crisis of missing migrant children but also addressed broader concerns for child safety in communities affected by homelessness and rising crime. Activists warned of dangerous conditions on city streets and emphasized that children deserve safe environments, both at the border and in their own neighborhoods.
With the candlelight vigil symbolizing solidarity and remembrance, the people sent a clear message: these children must not be forgotten, and the government must step up to protect them.
