New Trump Policy Would Permit Indefinite Detention Of Migrant Families, Children

The Trump administration has announced it is ending a federal court agreement that limits how long migrant families with children can be detained.

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan outlined the new policy Wednesday, which replaces the Flores settlement agreement.

That’s been a longtime target of immigration hard-liners in the Trump administration, who contend the settlement has acted as a lure to families in Central America.

The new policy means that migrant families who are detained after crossing the border can be kept indefinitely, until their cases are decided. Today’s policy doesn’t specify a limit but sets an expectation that cases be resolved comparatively quickly — within about two months.