The Trump administration has ceased a program providing legal representation to nearly 26,000 immigrant children, as reported by the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday. Among these children, approximately 4,000 reside in California and face potential deportation without the support of parents or legal guardians in the country.
The Interior Department issued an order on Tuesday directing the Acacia Center for Justice, the coordinator of the federally funded program, to discontinue its services. The agency justified the suspension based on contracting rules but did not specify detailed reasons for the decision.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the administration has been actively attempting to dismantle elements of the immigration system that offer support to detainees. This move coincides with actions by an advisory group, referred to as the Department of Government Efficiency by billionaire Elon Musk, which has been reducing the federal workforce and eliminating programs deemed misaligned with the administration's goals.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008 established special protections for unaccompanied minors arriving in the U.S., advocating for legal representation in deportation proceedings, although it did not mandate legal aid for every child.
Jennifer Podkul, Vice President for Policy and Advocacy at Kids In Need of Defense, highlighted that around 50% of these children have legal representation, emphasizing the severe consequences of their situation. Without legal aid, experts warn that these children may become entrenched in the system or fall off the grid, leading to unresolved cases.
Melissa L. Lopez, Executive Director of Texas-based Estrella del Paso, expressed concern over the suspension, stating that her organization feels a legal and ethical responsibility to continue assisting the estimated 2,000 children they represent. Lopez further noted that her organization has been restricted from conducting legal presentations in shelters, leaving children to navigate court proceedings without adequate information or support.
Reference(s):
Trump admin halts legal aid program for 26,000 immigrant children
cgtn.com
