FROM WASHINGTON EXAMINER: Tucked in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is language the Trump administration hopes will allow border officials to detain illegal immigrants indefinitely, as its authority to do so makes its way through the courts.
The law, passed by a GOP-controlled Congress in July, contained provisions that could allow the federal government to detain families through the duration of their court proceedings, something that has not been legally permissible since 1997, when a judge imposed what was known as the Flores settlement agreement that outlined detention regulations.
Trump administration officials have touted the BBB provision as a way to prevent families that cross the border from being automatically released into the United States, given a 20-day limit on keeping parents and children in federal custody. However, Democrats and immigrant advocates have raised serious concerns about prolonged detention and the impact on children in particular.
The Justice Department recently attempted to repeal the agreement, citing changes in legal and practical circumstances. The government argued they made substantial changes since the agreement was formalized in 1997, implementing standards and policies that govern the custody of immigrant children, conforming to legislation and the agreement.
A federal judge ruled Friday to deny the request. U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee in Los Angeles issued her ruling a week after holding a hearing with the federal government and legal advocates representing immigrant children in custody.
“There is nothing new under the sun regarding the facts or the law,” Gee wrote. “These improvements are direct evidence that the FSA is serving its intended purpose, but to suggest that the agreement should be abandoned because some progress has been made is nonsensical.”
President Donald Trump’s administration says the Flores Settlement Agreement hinders its immigration crackdown. https://t.co/vm1HhHJDyL
— KARE 11 (@kare11) August 16, 2025
NEWS: Judge Dolly Gee denied DOJ’s request to terminate the Flores settlement — a 1997 settlement that provides court oversight of gov’t treatment of migrant children subject to detention until a final rule is in effect.
The settlement will remain: https://t.co/SfVW6bQhpi pic.twitter.com/oSpTvSPcsz
— Chris “Law Dork” Geidner (@chrisgeidner) August 16, 2025
READ MORE AT WASHINGTON EXAMINER.
