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A federal judge in the United States rejected on Friday the Trump administration's request to end the Flores Agreement, the pact that has regulated the detention of migrant minors since 1997 and sets minimum conditions for their custody.
The information was reported by the agency Associated Press (AP), which indicated that the decision was made by Judge Dolly Gee of the Los Angeles district.
The judge recalled that this is not the government's first attempt to terminate the agreement, noting that as early as 2019, under the first Trump administration, a similar effort was made without success.
"There is nothing new under the sun regarding the facts or the law," wrote Gee in his ruling.
The government argued that improvements have been made in the conditions of confinement for minors and that there are current standards and regulations that would make it unnecessary to maintain the agreement.
However, the judge stated that these improvements precisely demonstrate that the Flores Agreement is still useful and fulfills the purpose for which it was created.
The agreement, the result of a lengthy legal battle in the 1980s following allegations of mistreatment of migrant children, mandates the provision of food, water, medical care, hygiene conditions, and adult supervision, in addition to limiting the detention time in Border Patrol facilities to 72 hours, AP reported.
Subsequently, the minors must be transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services, the agency reminded.
In practice, advocacy organizations have reported that this limit is frequently violated. According to recent data presented to the court, last May, 46 minors were detained for more than a week, including six for over two weeks and four for 19 days.
Between March and April, more than 200 children were held in custody beyond the permitted 72 hours.
The Trump administration has insisted that the agreement limits the government's ability to expand detention spaces for migrant families, despite the approval of billions of dollars to build new facilities.
One of those centers, located in Florida and known as "Alligator Alcatraz," is facing a lawsuit for alleged violations of the constitutional rights of the detainees.
Judge Gee still needs to rule on a request from the defense attorneys for the minors to expand independent oversight in Border Patrol facilities.
Currently, third-party inspections are only authorized in El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley, although plaintiffs have provided evidence of excessive detentions at other points along the border.
The ruling on Friday represents a new setback for the Trump administration in its immigration policy, as it upholds the limitations established in the Flores Agreement and reaffirms the necessity of adhering to humanitarian standards in the custody of migrant children.
The ruling against Donald Trump's plans comes amid a scenario where his administration is enforcing a .
Recently, new rules were announced for immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship, which raises the requirements and complicates access to this legal status for thousands of applicants.
Alongside these restrictions, the Trump administration reported a record number of over 1,400 daily arrests of undocumented individuals at the border, a level of control that reflects the use of extraordinary resources to curb migratory flows to the United States.
The president also indicated that he plans to deport one million people per year, reinforcing his hardline stance on irregular immigration.
These measures, along with their failed attempts to dismantle the Flores Agreement, solidify a policy that has been criticized by international organizations and human rights advocates for its impact on migrant minors and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Protection of Migrant Children and the "Alligator Alcatraz" Detention Center
What is the Flores Agreement and why is it important?
The Flores Agreement is a pact that regulates the detention of migrant minors in the United States since 1997, establishing minimum conditions for their custody, such as food, water, medical care, and hygiene standards. It is significant because it limits the detention time in Border Patrol facilities to 72 hours and mandates the transfer of minors to the Department of Health and Human Services, thereby ensuring humanitarian standards in their custody.
Why did Judge Dolly Gee reject Trump's attempt to end the Flores Agreement?
Judge Dolly Gee rejected the Trump administration's attempt because, although the government argued that conditions for the detention of minors had improved, these improvements demonstrate that the Flores Agreement remains useful and necessary to achieve its goal of protecting migrant children.
What problems does the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center in Florida face?
The detention center "Alligator Alcatraz" faces multiple allegations of violations of the human rights of detainees, lack of legal access, and poor living conditions. Additionally, there are lawsuits regarding its hasty construction without fulfilling environmental impact assessments, which has also raised legal and environmental concerns.
Who controls the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center?
The situation regarding who controls "Alligator Alcatraz" is confusing. A federal judge has ordered Florida authorities to reveal who has legal control of the facility, as there is ambiguity about whether it is managed by the federal or state government, further complicating legal procedures and the defense of the rights of the detainees.
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