In a West Los Angeles courtroom, dozens of children sat nervously on wooden benches, their legs bouncing as they waited for their deportation hearings. Immigration Judge Audra R. Behne began the session quietly, drawing the children’s eyes upward as she announced they were "on the record."
Among them was Itzel, a 16-year-old girl wearing a Bell High School sweatshirt. She was there with her uncle, Johnnie, who had come to support her. Itzel fled from northern Mexico to escape violence and family issues, including a drug-addicted mother and a father who abandoned her. The cartel’s influence in her hometown made life unbearable, leading her to seek safety in the United States.
Many of the children in the courtroom, like Itzel, face the daunting reality of deportation without legal representation. The Trump administration’s recent decision to cut funding for legal services has left thousands of unaccompanied minors vulnerable. These children, some as young as infants, do not have the right to a court-appointed attorney. Advocates say that without legal help, their chances of staying in the U.S. are slim.
Holly S. Cooper, an attorney with over 27 years of experience representing unaccompanied minors, expressed deep concern. She noted that many children struggle to understand the legal system and cannot fill out forms or present their cases effectively. “These kids often have no idea what’s going on, and without a lawyer, they’re doomed,” she said.
The situation is dire. As of last year, there were about 33,000 pending cases for unaccompanied minors in U.S. immigration courts. Many nonprofit legal services, which typically provide low-cost or free representation, are overwhelmed. With federal funding cuts, some organizations are preparing to scale back or end their services altogether.
During the court proceedings, Itzel’s aunt, Laura, appeared on her behalf. Many families sat in the gallery without attorneys, trying to navigate the process on their own. Judge Behne gave them a chance to find legal help, but advocates worry that the resources they need may not be available.
Johnnie, who works as a truck driver, struggles to make ends meet while paying off debts to the cartel to protect his family in Mexico. He has tried to find a lawyer for Itzel but has faced rejection from those who are already overwhelmed with cases. The cost of hiring a private attorney is out of reach for him.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her future, Itzel remains hopeful. She is learning English and enjoys her new life in the U.S. But the fear of returning to Mexico looms large. “I don’t want to go back there,” she said, reflecting her desire for a better life.
The immigration court system is already bogged down, with more than 3 million pending cases. As families like Itzel’s wait for answers, the stakes are high. Advocates fear that without legal representation, many children who fled dangerous situations could be sent back to perilous environments they desperately sought to escape.