LSNYC Reunites Two Children With Their Mother After Six Cruel Months in Detention

Two children fleeing violence and persecution in a Central American country arrived in NYC in early February and were taken into custody by the government. Two days later, their mother was located in the Northeast.

One would think that the children would quickly be reunited with their mother. But no. The children, who had already survived severe trauma, were held in government custody for SIX MONTHS, with the possibility that they would be transferred to Texas.

It’s unclear what fate they might have suffered in the harshly anti-immigrant political environment of Texas, or if they’d be forced to endure yet further detention in a system in which children have recently suffered abuse, harassment, neglect, and punishment with restraints and seclusion.

Fortunately, these minors were connected with LSNYC in late July. Our advocates quickly filed a habeas petition, and the judge immediately ordered the government to keep the children in New York and set an expedited hearing.

Just a few hours before we were to appear in court, the government released the children to their mother, and this family was finally reunited.

Without our help, there is no telling what would have happened to these innocent children. It’s up to organizations like LSNYC to stand up for the rule of law and for human dignity.