The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a motion to dissolve the Flores Consent Decree, a legal agreement that governs the detention of unaccompanied minors entering the United States. Attorney General Pam Bondi argues that the Flores agreement, established in 1997, is outdated and unduly restricts the government's ability to enforce immigration laws.
The Flores Consent Decree sets standards for the treatment and release of migrant children in government custody. It generally requires children to be released to a parent, guardian, or other suitable custodian within 20 days. Critics, including Attorney General Bondi, contend that these provisions hinder effective border security and encourage illegal immigration.
The DOJ's motion will be heard in federal court. The court will consider arguments from both the government and advocates for immigrant children before making a decision. The outcome of this legal challenge could significantly impact how the U.S. government handles the detention and processing of unaccompanied minors in the future. This move comes amid ongoing debates about immigration policy and border security.
DOJ Seeks to End Flores Agreement on Migrant Child Detention
The Justice Department is trying to end the Flores Consent Decree, which sets rules for how the U.S. government detains unaccompanied migrant children. Attorney General Pam Bondi says the agreement is too old and limits current immigration policies. A federal court will now decide whether to dissolve the decades-old decree. The Flores agreement has been a long-standing point of contention in immigration debates.