What are the legal rights of a child in an immigration detention center?

In New Mexico, the legal rights of a child in an immigration detention center are outlined in the Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA). This agreement was established in 1997 and is a legally binding agreement between the federal government and a coalition of human rights activists. The agreement details how the government should treat children in immigration detention, and is binding on the federal government regardless of any other laws or regulations. The FSA requires that any child in an immigration detention center should be provided with basic needs, such as adequate food, water, and medical care. It also requires that the detention center must not be overly crowded and that children must only be in detention for as short a time as possible. Furthermore, the agreement states that children must be provided access to legal counsel and the right to challenge their detention in a court of law. The FSA also stipulates that unaccompanied children must be transferred to the care of sponsors in the United States, or to a licensed child welfare agency, within 72 hours of being arrested. In addition, the agreement insists that children must not be placed in secure facilities unless they pose a significant risk of danger, or have committed a criminal act. Overall, the FSA outlines a number of legal rights for children who are detained in immigration detention centers in New Mexico. These rights include access to basic needs, legal counsel, and the right to challenge their detainment in court. Furthermore, the agreement also ensures that children will be transferred to the care of sponsors or a licensed child welfare agency in a timely manner.

What are the legal rights of a child in an immigration detention center?

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