New Mexico Immigrant Law Center feeling impact of federal cuts to unaccompanied minors program
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Amid the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration, on Friday, the federal government ended contracts with programs across the country that provide legal aid to unaccompanied migrant children. One of those terminated contracts was with the Unaccompanied Children Program at the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center.
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'It was devastating to be honest with you,' said Andres Santiago, Associate Managing Attorney at NMILC. 'The immigration system is a complicated system. We know this. And to expect a child to have to navigate that on their own is unconscionable.'
He also noted how the immigration court for the state is in El Paso. With NMILC's help, the unaccompanied minors can get help moving the hearings to virtual hearings. He said their clients range in age from high school to just a few years old. 'They're fleeing really horrible situations, and for a lot of these kids, their parents or legal guardians aren't with them,' he said.
According to NMILC, more than 300 kids statewide face deportation. 'The impact is huge,' Santiago said of the funding cut.
The cut in funding directly impacts 212 of the law center's cases, with some kids having court dates as soon as Friday. NMILC is reviewing its cases and plans to continue representing its clients while they can. 'We have a legal obligation to these kids, we have a legal agreement with these kids to represent them as their attorneys,' said Santiago.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008 created special protections for children who arrive in the U.S. without a parent or a legal guardian. The deputy press secretary at Health and Human Services told the Associated Press in an emailed statement that the department 'continues to meet the legal requirements established' by the Act, as well as a legal settlement guiding how children in immigration custody are being treated.
A copy of the termination letter obtained by The Associated Press said the contract was being terminated 'for the Government's convenience.'
Meanwhile, NMILC is scrambling to find funding. It is now heavily relying on donations and has launched a campaign to raise $1.5 million to make up for the loss of funding. 'Administration after administration have realized the special protections that are needed for unaccompanied children,' said Santiago. 'I understand there's going to be critics on everything, but I think we can all agree that kids deserve a fair shot in the country regardless of whether they're born in the country or not.'
According to the NMILC, the cuts to this funding leave more than 26,000 unaccompanied minors without access to legal counsel nationwide.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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