A federal judge has ordered the U.S. government to temporarily reinstate funding for legal aid to unaccompanied migrant children, preventing 26,000 minors from losing legal representation.
Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin of San Francisco issued the ruling on Tuesday, emphasizing that access to legal aid makes the immigration system fairer. The decision comes after the Trump administration terminated a contract with the Acacia Center for Justice, a nonprofit that provides legal assistance to migrant children, on March 21.
Acacia criticized the move, calling legal aid “more crucial than ever” amid increased deportations. Executive Director Shaina Aber warned that cutting these services undermines due process, disproportionately affects vulnerable children, and places those who have already endured severe trauma at further risk of harm or exploitation.
A group of subcontractors working with Acacia sued the government, arguing that a 2008 anti-trafficking law mandates legal counsel for vulnerable children, many of whom are too young to communicate effectively or do not speak English.
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