Immigrant Children Facing Court Alone as Legal Support Contract Expires

Democracy Dies in Darkness

Immigration

A federal contract offering legal counsel to vulnerable undocumented minors is about to lapse. There is concern among advocates that these children might have to represent themselves in court.

As of July 30, 2026, at 7:08 p.m. EDT, this pressing issue has garnered attention.

A Border Patrol agent offers water to children detained near a highway outside Eagle Pass, Texas, on February 4, 2024. (Photo by Sergio Flores/AFP/Getty Images)

SAN ANTONIO — The future is uncertain for tens of thousands of immigrant children who arrived in the U.S. as unaccompanied minors in recent years. They may soon have to face judges without legal aid. This situation arises from the potential expiry of a federal contract that provides them legal representation, set for Friday.