On Monday a packed courtroom in Harlingen, Texas, heard the voices of 25 unaccompanied illegal immigrant children ranging from a three‑year‑old who played with the microphone to a teenage girl trying to make eye contact with a friend. The judge warned the youngsters that the proceedings could determine whether they remain in the United States or face removal.
Accelerated hearings under the Trump administration
President Trump’s administration has recently tightened immigration procedures for unaccompanied alien children. A contract that once funded the Acacia Center for Justice – a $200 million‑a‑year program that provided legal orientations, consultations and representation to more than 20,000 children – was allowed to lapse in July. The administration argues the change is intended to speed up case resolution and keep children out of dangerous situations while they await a decision.
“Our priority is the safety and well‑being of every child in our custody,” a spokesperson for the Executive Office for Immigration Review said. “We are making scheduling adjustments to ensure cases do not languish and that children are not left in limbo for months.”
Children left without counsel
Without the Acacia contract, many minors now appear before a judge without an attorney. Angel, a 13‑year‑old from Honduras, told the judge that his mother and most of his family are in the United States and that returning home would be dangerous. The judge concluded that Angel did not qualify for asylum and offered him the option of voluntary departure or a removal order. Angel, visibly upset, replied, “I have no one. I have nothing.”
Other children, such as three‑year‑old Mateo, were present for an initial appearance with a remote attorney who could do little more than answer procedural questions. When the judge asked a group of 15 minors if this was their first time in immigration court, every child answered “Yes.” None volunteered for voluntary departure.
Critics warn of reduced protections
Advocates and attorneys say the fast‑tracked process undermines the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, which was designed to protect unaccompanied children through screenings for trafficking and credible fear of persecution. Daniel Gestal, deputy director of the children’s program at the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, noted a “supercharged” increase in asylum interviews and hearings over the past few weeks.
“I’ve never witnessed so many removals and to see it happen with children who are standing there completely alone,” said an unnamed advocate. The advocate’s criticism is balanced by the administration’s claim that rapid adjudication prevents children from being left in detention for extended periods.
Federal response and funding updates
In early August, the Office of Refugee Resettlement awarded up to $20 million to the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) to provide legal services through the end of the year. However, attorneys for USCRI have been reported in court filings as either absent or unable to intervene on behalf of the children.
Emily Hilliard, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, reiterated the agency’s commitment: “Under the Trump Administration, ORR remains committed to ensuring that every unaccompanied alien child has legal representation in immigration court.”
What this means for Texas families
For Texas families and community groups caring for these children, the accelerated timeline creates new challenges. Guardians seeking to reunite with their children must navigate additional vetting steps, which the administration says are necessary to protect national security and child welfare.
Local faith‑based and pro‑life organizations continue to provide emotional and material support, emphasizing the importance of parental‑rights and family unity in line with community values.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
