The Trump administration has terminated a $200 million contract with the Acacia Center for Justice, effectively halting legal aid for unaccompanied migrant children and leaving many without representation in immigration court.

The funding cuts are expected to jeopardize the safety of approximately 26,000 vulnerable minors, increasing their risk of exploitation and trafficking.

Lindsay Toczylowski, president of ImmDef, emphasized that cutting legal aid undermines the commitment to protect vulnerable children and could create chaos in immigration courts.

This decision specifically targets children and teenagers who have crossed the southern border without parents, contributing to a broader trend of reducing essential resources for vulnerable immigrants.

The legal aid program, which has been in place for two decades, was designed to support children who may have experienced abuse, persecution, or trafficking, allowing them to navigate complex court proceedings.

While the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008 acknowledges the vulnerabilities of unaccompanied children, it does not guarantee legal representation, leaving many at risk.

Advocates, including Christine Lin from the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, have criticized the decision, arguing it is unjust to expect children to represent themselves in immigration court.

Immigrant rights advocates have expressed alarm over the funding loss, with one leader describing it as a 'catastrophe' that could lead to the closure of many non-governmental organizations.

The affected children are those who presented themselves at the border and are currently under the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), facing increased risks without legal support.

Shaina Aber, executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice, criticized the decision for undermining due process and increasing risks for children already facing trauma.

This action mirrors a previous directive from the Justice Department aimed at restricting support for immigrants, which was rescinded after advocacy efforts.

Various non-profits, including the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, have denounced the government's decision, warning that the lack of legal representation could endanger vulnerable children.