How long were immigrant children detained past the court limit?

Hundreds of immigrant children were detained for longer than the 20-day court-mandated limit, with some held for over five months.

What were the conditions like for children in U.S. detention facilities?

Reports indicate contaminated food, including moldy items with worms, and insufficient access to medical care and legal aid.

What is the 1985 civil lawsuit regarding immigrant children?

The lawsuit initiated in 1985 led to court supervision of standards for detained children and established a 20-day custody limit.

Home / Crime and Justice / Children Held Months Past Limit in U.S. Facilities

Children Held Months Past Limit in U.S. Facilities

10 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Hundreds of children detained past the 20-day limit, some over five months.
Reports cite contaminated food, lack of medical care, and inadequate legal aid.
Detention conditions include moldy food and delayed medical attention.

Children Held Months Past Limit in U.S. Facilities

Hundreds of immigrant children have been detained beyond the court-established 20-day limit, with some cases extending over five months. Attorneys highlighted government admissions of prolonged custody times, contaminated food, and inadequate access to medical care and legal counsel at federal facilities. These issues were detailed in recent court filings related to a long-standing civil lawsuit aimed at improving conditions for detained youth.

The primary reasons cited for extended detentions by the government included transportation delays, medical needs, and legal processing. However, legal advocates argue these do not justify the lengthy holds. They have documented instances of children being held for up to 168 days, raising serious concerns about the government's adherence to established standards.