The Trump administration has cancelled a contract that provided legal aid to migrant children who enter the country alone.
The contract, held by the Acacia Center for Justice, supported around 26,000 children with legal representation and “know your rights” clinics. The decision leaves many vulnerable children without essential legal assistance.
While Acacia can still provide legal sessions, it will no longer receive government funding for lawyers representing migrant children in court.
The contract was set for renewal on March 29, but the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) decided to end nearly all of Acacia’s legal work.
Ailin Buigues, who leads Acacia’s unaccompanied children programme, said “It’s extremely concerning because it’s leaving these kids without really important support. They’re often in a very vulnerable position.”
Michael Lukens, director of Amica, one of Acacia’s partner organisations, said they were expecting this move and are now preparing for the worst. “We’re trying to pull every lever but we have to be prepared for the worst, which is children going to court without attorneys all over the country. This is a complete collapse of the system,” he said.
A letter obtained by The Associated Press revealed that the contract was ended “for the Government’s convenience.” The government had already temporarily paused the legal aid programme last month before reinstating it, but this final termination means many children could now face immigration courts alone.