Trump Admin Forms In-House Legal Team for Unaccompanied Immigrant Children

Trump administration creates in-house legal team for unaccompanied immigrant children, sparking concerns over representation and fairness.

Editorial Desk

October 8, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Miami, United States — The Trump administration has established a group of government lawyers to represent unaccompanied migrant children during immigration proceedings, raising concerns among advocates who argue the move could weaken the children’s legal protections and increase their risk of deportation.

The U.S. Health and Human Services Department (HHS) announced the creation of the Unaccompanied Alien Children Legal Representation Division, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in a Federal Register notice. The division will provide direct legal counsel to the minors, but details about its operations remain limited. HHS stated the initiative aims to help reunite children with their families and ensure they receive necessary legal support.

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Critics, including Shaina Aber of the Acacia Center for Justice, argue that placing legal representation within the same agency that oversees the children’s custody undermines independence and could compromise their rights. Wendy Young of Kids in Need of Defense called the move part of a broader effort to weaken legal advocacy for the children. Meanwhile, advocates report growing challenges in securing legal aid for minors as funding cuts have left many without representation.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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