Trump Ends Legal Aid Contract for Migrant Children

The Trump administration has terminated a federal contract that provided legal representation to approximately 26,000 unaccompanied migrant children in the United States, sparking concern among legal aid organizations. The contract, administered by the Acacia Center for Justice, included legal representation and 'know your rights' clinics but will no longer receive government funding, leaving many children vulnerable to navigating the immigration system alone. This decision follows a temporary pause of the program in February and has been criticized for potentially forcing children, some as young as two, to face immigration court without legal aid. Advocacy groups fear the move will lead to rapid deportations and undermine the children's ability to successfully navigate their cases. Despite the termination, legal organizations like Public Counsel and others across the nation are scrambling to find alternative funding to continue providing legal assistance, though the future remains uncertain without governmental support. Critics argue that this policy change endangers children's lives and fails to comply with protections established under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008.