The Trump administration has recently revoked a contract that provided essential legal assistance to migrant children arriving in the United States without parents or guardians. This decision has raised alarms about the challenges these children will face in navigating the intricate legal procedures on their own.
The Acacia Center for Justice had established a contract with the government to deliver legal services for unaccompanied minors through its vast network across the country. These services included direct legal representation and informative legal orientation sessions, often referred to as “know your rights” clinics, targeting migrant children who cross the border alone and reside in government shelters.
On Friday, Acacia was notified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that nearly all their legal work would be discontinued. This includes financing lawyers for approximately 26,000 children as they face immigration court proceedings. Although the clause for conducting legal orientation clinics remains intact, the termination affects a wide array of necessary legal assistance services.
“This development is deeply troubling as it deprives these children of critical support,” said Ailin Buigues, who leads Acacia’s program for unaccompanied children. She emphasized the vulnerable status of these children amidst legal proceedings.
Individuals contesting deportation do not enjoy the same rights to legal representation as those involved in criminal cases, though they have the option to hire private attorneys. Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of unaccompanied minors in the immigration court system has been an essential factor.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008 established specific protective measures for children entering the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian. According to Emily G. Hilliard, deputy press secretary at Health and Human Services, the department complies with the legal obligations set forth by this Act alongside the stipulations from a legal settlement on managing minors in immigration custody.
The contract termination happened just days before its scheduled renewal on March 29. A month prior, all legal operations by Acacia and its subcontractors related to immigrant children were temporarily suspended by the authorities, although this decision was later reversed by Health and Human Services.
The program operated under a five-year contract, with an annual option for government renewal. A termination letter, revealed by unnamed sources, indicated that the contract was ended “for the Government’s convenience.”
Michael Lukens, executive director at Amica (one of Acacia’s partner providers in Washington, D.C.), expressed apprehension given the renewal date was near. Aware of the potential for such an outcome, he explained their plans to continue supporting as many children as possible while also contesting the termination.
“We are making use of every available option, yet we must also prepare for the worst-case scenario—children attending court hearings without legal counsel nationwide. This situation marks a complete breakdown of the existing system,” Lukens asserted.