Trump administration announces plan that would let it detain undocumented children indefinitely
The Trump administration said Wednesday it was taking steps that would allow it to indefinitely detain undocumented children with their families while their immigration cases are pending.
The move, which Department of Homeland Security officials expect to be challenged in federal court, would end a 20-day limit on detaining children and families.
Organisations including the American Academy of Pediatrics have said detaining children for long periods of time even in the best conditions can be harmful to their physical and mental well-being, said Michelle Brané, senior director for migration rights and justice at the Women's Refugee Commission.