Press Release: Unaccompanied Children Program Resumes
On Friday, February 21, 2025, Immigration Counseling Service (ICS) received notice that it can immediately resume work providing representation and legal services to unaccompanied children. ICS’s Executive Director Frank Garcia issued the following statement:
“It is unimaginable to think that the United States would be so threatened by immigration that it would suspend legal representation for children facing deportation. And yet, that is exactly what happened this week, when the federal government issued a stop-work order for the Unaccompanied Children Program.
“We are so proud of and thankful for everyone who saw this injustice and used their voice to restore these crucial services. Members of the public have sent more than 17,000 letters to Congress demanding our vital work be restored. The continuation of this work and support of child survivors of violence and trafficking would not be possible without each of you.
“We know challenges remain – for our clients and for our organization – as we demand dignity, humanity, respect, and compassion for our immigrant and refugee neighbors. We know that deportation efforts will continue, and our work is far from over.”