The Trump administration has reduced funding for a program that provides legal representation to unaccompanied immigrant children. This decision follows the administration’s directive to immigration agents to track down minors who entered the U.S. without guardians. A memo obtained by ABC News states that the Interior Department partially terminated the contract with organizations that collectively receive over $200 million in federal grants. While funding for legal representation and attorney recruitment has been cut, the contract for a “Know Your Rights” presentation in detention centers remains.
Currently, 26,000 immigrant children benefit from government-funded legal representation, but many are left to represent themselves due to a shortage of attorneys. A Department of Justice report indicated that 56% of unaccompanied minors in immigration courts were represented by counsel in 2023.
The White House has criticized the immigration system, alleging that some lawyers and law firms coach clients to hide information and deceive authorities in an effort to bypass immigration policies. This has led to a directive for the attorney general and the Department of Homeland Security to enforce attorney conduct regulations.
Immigrant advocacy groups raised concerns about the funding cuts, stating that the government is violating legal protections for children and leaving them without legal representation. Experts warned that without legal counsel, these children are at higher risk of trafficking and exploitation and are less likely to obtain legal protection.
Since 2021, the number of unaccompanied minors entering the U.S. has risen sharply, with a record 128,904 in 2022. In total, over 600,000 immigrant children have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border since 2019. A memo from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) instructed agents to detain unaccompanied minors to prevent trafficking. Advocates emphasize the importance of legal assistance to protect the children’s due process rights and ensure their safety.
References:
Helmore, Edward. “White House reportedly halts funding for legal aid for unaccompanied migrant children” The Guardian. March 22, 2025.
