Authorities take custody of 21 kids in California following a dramatic police investigation in the Los Angeles suburb of Arcadia. The discovery of the children, most born through surrogacy, has captured national attention and sparked growing questions about child welfare, surrogacy ethics, and oversight in the state.
Surrogacy in the Spotlight: Authorities Take Custody of 21 Kids in California
On July 16, 2025, Arcadia police revealed that 21 children—ranging in age from two months to 13 years—had been placed into protective custody. All were found under the care of Silvia Zhang, 38, and Guojun Xuan, 65, a couple now under intense investigation. Fifteen of the children were rescued from the couple’s upscale home in Arcadia after law enforcement responded to a tip about suspected child abuse. Six more children were discovered in separate locations linked to the couple.
Police allege that the majority of these children were born via surrogate mothers from around the United States. Several surrogate mothers claim they were misled regarding the circumstances, with many stating they were unaware that other surrogates were also carrying children for Zhang and Xuan at the same time.
Key Points Summary
- 21 children taken into custody from multiple locations in California.
- Most of the children were born through surrogates from various states.
- Ages of the children range from 2 months to 13 years, with the majority under 3 years old.
- The parents, Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan, are under investigation for child endangerment and suspected abuse.
- The case began after a 2-month-old suffered a traumatic head injury allegedly caused by a nanny.
- Surveillance video from inside the home supports allegations of severe abuse.
- The nanny, Chunmei Li, is wanted by police and remains at large.
Unraveling the Investigation
The shocking case became public when Arcadia Police responded to an emergency call from a local hospital in early May. Officers learned that a two-month-old child had been admitted with a severe head injury and intracranial bleeding. Investigators subsequently traced the infant to a luxury residence on West Camino Real Avenue.
Upon execution of a search warrant, police discovered 15 children in the home. The residence, valued at several million dollars, was reportedly outfitted for homeschooling with classroom settings and areas for play and meals. Police noted the presence of at least six nannies caring for the children, but described troubling patterns of discipline and neglect.
Reviewing home security footage, detectives witnessed a nanny, later identified as Chunmei Li, violently shaking and striking the infant. Although the parents allegedly became aware of the incident, they waited two days before seeking medical attention for the child, bringing him to the hospital only after he suffered seizures. As the active investigation continued, six additional children tied to the couple were found elsewhere and brought into protective state custody.
Surrogate Mothers Come Forward
In the weeks following the rescue, multiple surrogate mothers have stepped forward, asserting that they were misled by the couple. Each believed she was participating in a unique family-building effort; none knew the full scope of the surrogacy operation or how many others had been hired. Some surrogates provided documents listing Zhang as the legal mother, while others furnished paperwork from different states. The FBI has joined local law enforcement to further investigate surrogacy contracts and possible fraud.
Legal Challenges and Child Welfare
Zhang and Xuan were arrested in May for felony child endangerment but were later released pending further investigation. At this stage, authorities have not filed formal neglect charges, as a comprehensive inquiry into their surrogacy practices and the treatment of the children continues. The children remain in protective custody under the supervision of California’s child-welfare system.
Authorities are also evaluating the authenticity of the children’s birth certificates and are working to establish the biological and legal status of each child. Police report that, at present, one or two children may be biologically related to Zhang, with most being the result of surrogacy arrangements spanning several states.
Looking Ahead
The case has renewed scrutiny of surrogacy guidelines, child protection laws, and oversight of large family structures. California agencies are accelerating their investigation, and the story is developing as more information emerges daily. Anyone with knowledge of additional surrogates or related events is urged to contact authorities.
Have thoughts about this troubling case or experience with surrogacy? Share your insights below or check back soon as new updates become available.