What’s New? 

On Sunday, Aug. 31, a federal judge prevented the unlawful deportation of 76 Guatemalan children – many of whom are members of persecuted Indigenous communities – who had arrived in the U.S. without a parent or a guardian seeking safety and protection (LGML v. Noem). 

In a statement, LSSNCA CEO Kristyn Peck, said:  

"The courts have halted what would have been an unconscionable act -- one that contradicts decades of policy designed to protect unaccompanied children. As a nation that values children and invests in their future, we must model for the world how every child should be treated when they arrive at our doorstep alone.”   

The ruling, which ultimately protects nearly 600 Guatemalan children in custody, was the outcome of an emergency lawsuit filed over the weekend by the National Immigration Law Center (NILC). 

LSSNCA urges elected officials to: 

• Uphold legal obligations under the Flores Agreement and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) (Public Law No. 110-457, 12/23/2008) to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children.  
• Guarantee access to legal counsel and due process for every child.  
• Center the best interests and safety of children in all immigration decisions. 

What else? 

Additional Violations of Children’s Due Process 

This week, Al Otro Lado filed a lawsuit to hold the federal government accountable for allowing the unlawful interrogation of unaccompanied children in its custody without Miranda warnings or their attorneys present (Al Otro Lado v. HHS).  

The collaboration between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Office of Refugee and Resettlement (ORR) is unprecedented and a violation of children’s rights and due process.  

Children who arrive in the U.S. without a parent or guardian are placed in ORR's custody, while the agency identifies a suitable sponsor to care for them and support their legal immigration proceedings.  

How You Can Help: 

Attend "Hope in a Time of Peril" – Join the Immigration Interfaith Coalition’s webinar on Wednesday, September 10 at 6 p.m. ET to learn about the latest federal updates and understand how immigrant families are navigating the first six months into the Trump Administration. The speakers will include LSSNCA’s Director of Communications and Government Relations, Melina Roche, to discuss how people of faith are mobilizing boldly to stand for welcome. 

Become a Foster Parent - Foster care for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM) provides loving and responsible foster homes for youth who have arrived in the United States without parents or legal guardians.   

Donate - Your support allows LSSNCA to continue our critical work, including serving unaccompanied children.