Judge Blocks Trump Again
A federal judge in California has once again blocked President Trump’s efforts to restore common-sense immigration enforcement, keeping in place the decades-old Flores Settlement Agreement—a policy critics say has fueled the border crisis for years.
An Obama-Appointed Judge Stands in the Way
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee ruled against the Trump administration’s request to end the Flores agreement, a policy dating back to 1997 that severely limits how long federal authorities can hold illegal immigrant minors in custody.
Judge Gee dismissed the administration’s arguments, calling the case “déjà vu” after blocking Trump’s first attempt in 2019. She argued that recent improvements in detention facilities are not grounds to abandon the outdated settlement.
What the Flores Agreement Does
The Flores Settlement Agreement originated from legal battles in the 1980s and was formally approved during the Clinton administration. Under its terms, the federal government must ensure that minors in custody are given food, water, medical attention, and proper shelter. It also restricts U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from detaining children for more than 72
While it may have been intended to protect children, critics argue it created one of the largest loopholes in U.S. immigration law, encouraging cartels and smugglers to traffic minors to the border as “entry tickets” for illegal immigrant families.
Trump Administration’s Argument
The administration stressed that Flores prevents meaningful reform—even after Congress and President Trump approved billions in new funding for detention centers through the latest tax and spending package.
Government attorneys explained that the new law authorizes the federal government to hold families together safely and for longer periods. But under Flores, that authority is essentially blocked, forcing authorities to release migrants into American communities after just a few days.
Evidence of the Broken System
Court records reveal that CBP has repeatedly been forced to hold children well beyond the legal 72-hour limit. Earlier this year alone, hundreds of minors—including toddlers—were held for over two weeks, with some in custody for as long as 19 days.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has already chipped away at Flores, rolling back oversight in certain areas last year while keeping core restrictions that limit enforcement.
Expanding Detention Capacity
The Trump administration is working to expand immigration facilities, including sites like one in Florida dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Supporters say new detention centers are critical to restoring order at the border, while left-wing activists are already pushing lawsuits to shut them down.
Judge Gee has not yet ruled on whether immigration activists will be allowed greater monitoring power over CBP facilities—a move that could further weaken enforcement.
Bottom Line
With this ruling, activist judges continue to undermine border security and prevent the Trump administration from closing loopholes that incentivize mass illegal immigration. As the border crisis grows worse by the day, the Flores agreement remains a key obstacle standing between America and true border security.
