Judge Blocks Trump Policy That Sought to Transfer Young Migrants to Adult Detention Centers Upon Turning 18

A federal court has ruled that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) cannot continue holding unaccompanied minors in adult detention facilities once they reach the age of majority (18 years old).

The decision comes after a lawsuit arguing that detaining them in adult centers violates their legal rights by breaking the protections owed to those who arrived as minors.

You can also read: “USCIS Detects 275 Cases of Immigration Fraud in Large-Scale ‘Twin Shield’ Operation”

What Did the Ruling Say?

While they are minors, unaccompanied youth are under the care of the ORR (Office of Refugee Resettlement) and should not be subjected to adult prison conditions.

When they turn 18, ICE cannot automatically transfer them to adult facilities if there is still no final deportation order.

The judge emphasized that immigration laws and regulations must respect humane treatment standards and distinguish between minors and adults in detention procedures.

Legal and Practical Implications

Protection of fundamental rights: This decision reinforces that, although visa or status may change upon turning 18, certain rights and treatment standards cannot immediately disappear.

Impact on juvenile deportation cases: Some youth who reach adulthood while their cases are pending could avoid being detained with adults, ensuring fairer proceedings.

Internal review by ICE and ORR: ICE will have to review its transfer and detention protocols to comply with the court ruling. ORR may extend certain protections until a formal resolution is reached.

Opportunity for additional litigation: This type of decision may serve as the basis for future lawsuits seeking to protect the rights of other vulnerable groups within the immigration system.

The ruling marks an important step toward respecting the rights of migrant minors, especially in vulnerable situations and during the transition to adulthood. For immigration lawyers, paralegals, and advocates, it demands a more strategic approach to ensure that young people do not lose critical protections simply by turning 18.

From: https://apnews.com/article/ice-immigration-unaccompanied-minors-shelters-detention-18-961e4302b45208e1d1b5f7e075e1e9e1

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