News|Donald TrumpUS authorities acknowledge immigrant children held beyond court-set limitCourt filings indicate that several kids were held for up to 168 days, far surpassing the 20-day limit on custody in facilities not licensed for childcare.
Recent court filings have revealed that numerous immigrant children in the United States have been held in federal detention beyond the 20-day limit established by a court mandate. Some of these children have been detained for over five months.
Recent court filings have revealed that numerous immigrant children in the United States have been held in federal detention beyond the 20-day limit established by a court mandate. Some of these children have been detained for over five months.
The reports, presented as part of an ongoing civil lawsuit initiated in 1985, resulted in the establishment of court-ordered supervision standards in 1997. This agreement includes a 20-day limit for the detention of children. The Trump administration has indicated intentions to terminate this agreement.
According to a report from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) dated Fri, Dec 1, 2023, approximately 400 immigrant children exceeded the 20-day custody limit between August and September. Legal advocates have highlighted prolonged detention due to transportation delays, medical needs, and legal processing, deeming these reasons insufficient for justifying extended custody.
The reports, presented as part of an ongoing civil lawsuit initiated in 1985, resulted in the establishment of court-ordered supervision standards in 1997.
Reports from families and monitors at federal facilities indicate that children faced inadequate food, limited access to medical care, and insufficient legal counsel. Specific cases include children held for up to 168 days and reports of injuries and inadequate medical responses at detention facilities.
Temporary Detention and Facility Concerns
The temporary use of hotels for detention, permitted for up to 72 hours by federal court, has been questioned due to instances of children being held beyond this period. Ongoing concerns about conditions at detention sites, such as the family detention center in Dilley, Texas, remain prominent.
Chief US District Judge Dolly Gee of the Central District of California is scheduled to review these reports in a hearing next week. The outcome may determine whether court intervention is necessary.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.