“This is another Trumpian attack on children,” Oregon Sen. Merkley accuses Trump administration of taking away attorneys for unaccompanied children to make deportations easier

Oregon – Sen. Jeff Merkley criticized the Trump administration over efforts to end legal representation for unaccompanied immigrant children, arguing that minors facing immigration proceedings should have access to attorneys and a fair hearing.

“This is another Trumpian attack on children. Every child deserves a fair court hearing,” Merkley wrote on X on July 31.

His comments came after reports that a federal legal services program supporting thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children was facing major changes as the Trump administration moved to end a contract providing legal assistance for minors in immigration proceedings.

The Oregon Democrat had previously called the situation a “five alarm fire,” accusing the administration of withholding congressionally approved funding and attempting to cancel legal representation for approximately 20,000 unaccompanied children. Merkley argued that removing access to attorneys would leave vulnerable minors to navigate complex immigration proceedings alone.

According to reports, the federal contract supporting legal services for unaccompanied migrant children was set to expire, putting thousands of children at risk of losing representation from nonprofit legal providers. The program has allowed legal organizations to assist children in immigration shelters and courts, helping them understand their rights and prepare their cases.

The legal aid program has been administered through the Acacia Center for Justice, which works with organizations providing immigration legal services to children. Advocates said the loss of funding could force providers to reduce services, lay off staff, and leave children without assistance during immigration proceedings.

Supporters of the program argue that unaccompanied minors often face complicated legal situations involving asylum claims, trafficking concerns, abuse allegations, or other protections available under federal law. They say legal representation helps ensure immigration judges have accurate information when deciding a child’s case, The Guardian reported.

Critics of the administration’s decision have argued that ending the program could make it easier for children to be removed from the United States without fully understanding their legal options. Merkley said the issue was not only about immigration policy but also about ensuring children have access to due process.

The Trump administration has defended its immigration agenda as focused on strengthening enforcement and accelerating deportations of individuals who do not have legal status to remain in the country. Officials have argued that immigration programs should be reviewed to ensure taxpayer funding is being used appropriately and that enforcement priorities are being followed.

The debate over legal representation for migrant children comes as the Trump administration has pursued broader changes to immigration policy, including increased enforcement efforts and changes to asylum procedures. The administration’s approach has drawn support from Republicans who argue stricter enforcement is necessary to secure the border, while Democrats and immigration advocates argue that protections for vulnerable migrants must remain in place.

Merkley has previously criticized Trump administration immigration policies and has called for greater oversight of how unaccompanied minors are treated while in federal custody. Along with other Democratic lawmakers, he has requested answers from the administration regarding the treatment and protection of migrant children.

The dispute over the legal aid program highlights a broader political divide over immigration enforcement, with Republicans emphasizing deportation and border security while Democrats argue that due process protections must be maintained, especially for children.

As the legal and political fight continues, thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children remain at the center of the debate over whether the government should continue funding attorneys to help them navigate immigration court proceedings.