Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
US Plans to Sidestep Limits on Detaining Immigrant Children
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 7 years ago on
September 6, 2018

Share

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration said Thursday it plans to circumvent a longstanding court agreement that governs how immigrant children are treated in immigration custody, in part to detain families longer as a way to deter migrants from crossing the Southwestern border illegally.
The Homeland Security Department announced proposed regulations that would terminate the so-called Flores agreement that requires the government to keep children in the least-restricted setting and required their release generally after 20 days in detention.
The 1997 case that spawned the agreement will almost certainly land back in court. U.S. District Court Judge Dolly M. Gee rejected a request by administration lawyers this summer to allow for longer family detention.
The agreement became an issue during a “zero-tolerance” policy enforced at the border to criminally prosecute anyone caught crossing illegally.
More than 2,900 children were separated from their parents, prompting international outrage and scathing criticism over what many said was inhumane treatment of migrants. Officials said children couldn’t be in criminal custody with their parents, and were limited in how long they could detain families because of the agreement.

Most Family Detention Centers at Capacity

The government currently has three operational family detention centers, but most are at capacity.

“Legal loopholes significantly hinder the department’s ability to appropriately detain and promptly remove family units that have no legal basis to remain in the country.” — Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen
However, Homeland Security asked for space to house 12,000 beds for families, plus space to house 20,000 unaccompanied minors. That process is moving forward; the Defense Department has completed legal and environmental requirements needed but they’re still working on the legal framework for the use of Fort Bliss, in El Paso, Texas for immigrant families.
The Department of Health and Human Services, which manages unaccompanied children crossing illegally, has not yet formally requested space for the minors, which it must do in order to set up the use.
The rules proposed Thursday would allow the government to hold families until their immigration cases were completed, a move that government officials contend makes cases go much faster than if families are released.
“Today, legal loopholes significantly hinder the department’s ability to appropriately detain and promptly remove family units that have no legal basis to remain in the country,” Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. “This rule addresses one of the primary pull factors for illegal immigration and allows the federal government to enforce immigration laws as passed by Congress.”
Immigrant advocates have opposed any effort to detain children longer than the agreement allows.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Virginia Giuffre, Voice in Epstein Sex Trafficking Scandal, Dies at 41

DON'T MISS

California Proposes Allowing Testing of Self-Driving Heavy-Duty Trucks

DON'T MISS

Higher Taxes on Millionaires? Trump Says He’s Open, but Many in His Party Are Not

DON'T MISS

Ex-US Rep. George Santos Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Prison for Fraud and Identity Theft

DON'T MISS

Selma Mayor Charged With Electioneering Violation on Election Day

DON'T MISS

Fresno Air Improves. Where Does It Rank in the US?

DON'T MISS

As Harris Ponders Run for CA Governor, Is She Prepared for the Daunting Job?

DON'T MISS

Stocks Rise With Tech-Related Shares, Notch Weekly Gains; Dollar Up

DON'T MISS

Conflicting US-China Talks Statements Add to Global Trade Confusion

DON'T MISS

Driving Near the Fresno Airport Next Week? Plan for Road Closures

UP NEXT

Fresno Air Improves. Where Does It Rank in the US?

UP NEXT

Exclusive: US Congress Republicans Seek $27 Billion for Golden Dome in Trump Tax Bill

UP NEXT

On Major Economic Decisions, Trump Blinks, and Then Blinks Again

UP NEXT

Chicago Bears Great Steve McMichael Dies at 67 After Battle With ALS

UP NEXT

Long Wait Is Over for Cam Ward, Travis Hunter and Other Draft Prospects Joining the NFL

UP NEXT

Golden State’s Jimmy Butler Injured in Game 2 Loss, His Status for Game 3 Unknown

UP NEXT

Jalen Green Makes Eight 3s to Help Rockets Even Series With Warriors

UP NEXT

US Justice Department Directs Investigations Over Gender-Affirming Care

UP NEXT

US Justice Department Cancels Hundreds of Grants for Police, Crime Victims

UP NEXT

Yelich’s 5th Career Slam and Bauers’ 2-Run Homer Power the Brewers to Win Over the Giants

Ex-US Rep. George Santos Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Prison for Fraud and Identity Theft

9 hours ago

Selma Mayor Charged With Electioneering Violation on Election Day

10 hours ago

Fresno Air Improves. Where Does It Rank in the US?

10 hours ago

As Harris Ponders Run for CA Governor, Is She Prepared for the Daunting Job?

10 hours ago

Stocks Rise With Tech-Related Shares, Notch Weekly Gains; Dollar Up

11 hours ago

Conflicting US-China Talks Statements Add to Global Trade Confusion

11 hours ago

Driving Near the Fresno Airport Next Week? Plan for Road Closures

11 hours ago

Misty Her: Push for Fresno Unified Turnaround Starts Now With ‘Boots on the Ground’

12 hours ago

Fresno Police Arrest 17 in Domestic Violence Crackdown

12 hours ago

What’s Next for Fresno Smoke Shop Ordinance: Lawsuit, Veto, Override?

13 hours ago

Virginia Giuffre, Voice in Epstein Sex Trafficking Scandal, Dies at 41

Virginia Giuffre, a former victim of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring who said she was “passed around like a platter of fruit” as a te...

6 hours ago

Virginia Roberts Giuffre speaks to reporters in New York on Aug. 27, 2019. Giuffre, a former victim of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring who said she was “passed around like a platter of fruit” as a teenager to rich and powerful predators, including Prince Andrew of Britain, died on Friday at her farm in Western Australia. She was 41. (Jefferson Siegel/The New York Times)
6 hours ago

Virginia Giuffre, Voice in Epstein Sex Trafficking Scandal, Dies at 41

9 hours ago

California Proposes Allowing Testing of Self-Driving Heavy-Duty Trucks

9 hours ago

Higher Taxes on Millionaires? Trump Says He’s Open, but Many in His Party Are Not

9 hours ago

Ex-US Rep. George Santos Sentenced to Over 7 Years in Prison for Fraud and Identity Theft

Selma Mayor Scott Robertson (left) has been charged with misdemeanor electioneering for allegedly campaigning near voters at a polling place during the November 2024 election. (Facebook)
10 hours ago

Selma Mayor Charged With Electioneering Violation on Election Day

10 hours ago

Fresno Air Improves. Where Does It Rank in the US?

10 hours ago

As Harris Ponders Run for CA Governor, Is She Prepared for the Daunting Job?

11 hours ago

Stocks Rise With Tech-Related Shares, Notch Weekly Gains; Dollar Up

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend