A recent memo reveals that the Trump administration has ordered legal service providers to halt their work with unaccompanied migrant children. This decision is part of a larger trend of actions reducing essential resources for immigrants, particularly affecting vulnerable children and teens who crossed the southern border without their families.
The order, issued by the Department of Interior, was sent to the Acacia Center for Justice. This nonprofit organization supports nearly 26,000 children in custody or recently released by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). The ORR, which operates under the Health and Human Services Department, is responsible for the welfare of these young migrants.
Shaina Aber, executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice, expressed concern over the administration’s decision. She stated that it undermines due process and exposes children who have already faced trauma to further risks of harm and exploitation.
Similarly, the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project condemned this action. They provide vital information and legal assistance to children in government custody. Roxana Avila-Cimpeanu, the project’s deputy director, highlighted the dangers of forcing children to represent themselves in immigration court. She called this move an unprecedented attack on immigrant children.
The stop-work order may not impact children who already have legal representation, but it could limit future support. Organizations may need to cut staff or shut down entirely due to the sudden loss of funding. This scenario recalls a situation shortly after President Trump’s inauguration when legal service providers were ordered to cease their support work for immigrants in detention. That directive was later revoked without explanation.
As the situation evolves, concerns for the well-being and rights of unaccompanied migrant children continue to grow. Many advocates stress the importance of ensuring that these vulnerable individuals receive the legal support they deserve to navigate the complexities of the immigration system.
