From Mother Jones · Samantha Michaels · · 1m 40s
Senators Demand End to HHS Child Deportation Lawyers
Democratic senators urge Trump to stop using HHS lawyers for unaccompanied minors in deportation court.
In brief
Democratic senators urge Trump to stop using HHS lawyers for unaccompanied minors in deportation court. Democratic senators demand rescission of Trump administration policy that assigns HHS lawyers to represent unaccompanied immigrant children in deportation proceedings. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Democratic senators write letter
Democratic senators sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urging him to rescind a new policy they say violates unaccompanied immigrant children's rights.
Policy change for unaccompanied minors
Under the policy, unaccompanied minors would be represented in court by HHS lawyers instead of independent attorneys, creating a conflict of interest.
Senators' concerns
The senators wrote that the immigration judge works for the Trump administration, so would the child’s lawyer under the policy, calling it unacceptable.
HHS legal division created
HHS quietly created a new division to handle legal representation for unaccompanied minors, bypassing independent attorneys.
Conflict of interest
HHS holds children in custody, decides where they live, and shares information with immigration enforcement, making it impossible for HHS to also be their lawyer.
Contract changes
The Trump administration let the Acacia Center for Justice contract expire and awarded it to Burke Law Group, a firm with ties to Trump.
Burke Law Group withdrawal
Burke Law Group pulled out of the contract after facing backlash, leading to a temporary arrangement with Our Rescue.
Virtual hearings
Immigration judges are fast-tracking cases, requiring virtual hearings even when children could attend in person.
Child rights concerns
Advocates say HHS lawyers would not prioritize children’s best interests, especially those wrongly detained or abused.
The big picture
Democratic senators demand rescission of Trump administration policy that assigns HHS lawyers to represent unaccompanied immigrant children in deportation proceedings.
