Alabama News

Kalen DeBoer landed the top 2026 recruit in Alabama football’s home state on Wednesday. Benjamin Russell wide receiver Cederian Morgan announced he’ll be joining the Crimson Tide as part of the 2025 recruiting class.

Morgan, who announced the news in Alexander City on Wednesday, chose Alabama over a list of finalists that also included Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Clemson and Colorado. He’s the third five-star to join the Tide’s 2026 group, according to the 247Sports composite ratings.

The 247 composite ranks Morgan as the No. 2 receiver in the 2026 class. It also has him as the No. 12 overall player in the group.

Speaking with AL.com earlier this summer, new Benjamin Russell coach Kirk Johnson praised Morgan’s attitude.

“He’s a great, great kid first of all,” Johnson said. “He’s a team first guy. He was one of the first guys I met when I got here. He wants to do something special with this team and for this city, and I highly respect that. A guy with his talent could easily be like, ‘I want the ball. Who is going to get me the ball?’ That’s not Cederian at all.”

Morgan made 70 catches for 1,162 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He joined one of the state’s other top recruits, Jackson running back EJ Crowell, in joining Alabama’s class in recent days.

“Evaluation echoes that of a luxury sports car: big, smooth, and powerful,” 247Sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks wrote in his assessment of Morgan. “Plays with obvious horsepower, accompanied by some encouraging physical refinement and nuance in regards to fluidity and locomotion. Dominant in contested scenarios as a consistent high pointer who exploits significant physical advantages vs. smaller defenders. Owns an enormous catch radius that gives a QB a large target throughout the route tree. Immensely productive with huge receiving numbers and even some limited defensive reps”

The Crimson Tide has now locked down three 2026 wide receiver commits over the past three days. Tennessee three-star Owen Cabell joined the class on Monday, while Brian Williams Jr., a three-star from Florida, announced his pledge on Tuesday.

Alabama’s staff began finding major momentum for the 2026 class toward the end of June. The group vaulted into the top 10 nationwide, and with Morgan as the 17th commitment, still has room to further climb in the ranks.

I would love to know how Donald Trump’s loyal supporters will talk their way around this one.

Start with these facts: Trump’s budget bill, approved Tuesday by the Senate after his muscular arm-twisting, would cut Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over the next decade, the largest cut in the history of the program by far.

The Congressional Budget Office says the bill would cause 12 million Americans to lose their health insurance over the next decade, with companion cuts to Obamacare bumping the number to 17 million. Last minute changes in the Senate bill, Democrats say, would increase the casualties to 20 million, wiping out about half of the gains made under Obamacare.

Now let’s look at Trump’s repeated and explicit promises.

On Meet the Press on May 4, he said he would veto any bill that cut Medicaid, adding that he won’t have to “because they’re not cutting it.”

On Sean Hannity’s show on Feb. 18, he was asked about his plans for Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare, and he said, “None of that stuff is going to be touched.”

Before a cabinet meeting on Feb. 26, he again promised he would not cut Medicaid, Social Security or Medicare: “I have said it so many times you shouldn’t be asking me those questions,” he told reporters.

Now, I’m not a lawyer, but that sure sounds like perjury to me, from the guy who supposedly tells it like it is.

A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS

A few Republicans were at least honest enough to admit what the party was doing. Sen. Thom Tillis, the Republican from North Carolina, knew it would end his career but felt compelled to speak anyway before announcing he would not seek another term.

“It is inescapable that this bill will betray the promise Donald Trump made,” he said on the Senate floor. “What do I tell 663,000 people (in his state) in two years, three years, when President Trump breaks his promise by pushing them off of Medicaid because the funding’s not there anymore?”

As often happens with a lie, this one compels more lies. These cuts, we are told, are aimed at those loafs on the couch who don’t work, who collect their Medicaid benefits while playing video games all day. And sure, it’s reasonable to expect those receiving benefits to show taxpayers some respect by at least trying to support themselves. That was the core idea behind the bipartisan welfare reform signed by Bill Clinton in 1996.

But people on Medicaid don’t get any cash. If you defraud Social Security, or traditional welfare, you get a check in the mail. If you defraud Medicaid, you get treatment when you’re sick. That’s all. Is denying care the kind of leverage we really want to use?

And are millions of Americans really loafing, or are Republicans playing their old game, casting low-income families as moral failures rather than decent people with lousy jobs, or none at all?

NEWS FLASH: THE POOR WORK

Most poverty in America today occurs in working families. And most people on Medicaid work (64 percent) or they are disabled, or caring for a child or elderly parent. What about those who do seasonal work, or live in a job dessert, or lose their jobs because their cars break down or the kid gets sick? What about people who weren’t functional enough to get their paperwork in order every time?

“We’re talking about real people here, and this is all based on a lie,” says Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the ranking Democrats on the Committee and Commerce. “They need to make these tax cuts for billionaires and they’re paying for it on the backs of the little guy.”

FRAUD? YES. LOOK HERE.

Here’s another lie: The bill is all about cutting fraud. As it happens, what fraud exists in Medicaid is mostly the work of doctors and hospitals, not the people who will lose coverage. That’s the conclusion of annual joint investigations by the Department of Justice and the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The inspector general found, overall, that about 5 percent of Medicaid payments are flawed in some way – by fraud, innocent mistakes, or missing paperwork. So, last year, that means $31 billion of payments were improper, and $580 billion were up to snuff.

If Republicans went at the $31 billion by beefing up enforcement, then count me in. But that’s not the strategy. They are instead using this as an excuse to knock down the whole house.

And the reason couldn’t be more obvious: This $1 trillion cut is roughly equal to the tax cuts that will go to those earning more than $500,000 under this bill. To me, it’s astonishing that someone could look across the landscape in America today, where inequality rages, and have the nerve to call this beautiful.

Trump won the vote of those earning less than $50,000 a year, just the group he’s now targeting with these cuts. Here’s hoping they realize, sometime before next year’s elections, that he’s lying to them, that his real friends are the billionaires, not the truck drivers.

Moran is a national political columnist for Advance Local and the former editorial page editor/columnist for The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J. He can be emailed at [email protected].

Previously sold out, UGG’s Mustard Seed colorway is making a comeback as part of an exclusive, limited-edition release for UGG Rewards members. Those who are not yet a member can easily sign up with any email address.

During this limited release, you can score a pair of women’s Goldenstar UGGbraid Clogs or men’s Goldencoast UGGbraid Clogs in the sunny, golden-yellow Mustard seed shade that originally went viral thanks to its warm, versatile tone.

According to UGG, both clogs feature a soft suede upper, an ultra-lightweight EVA platform sole and a unique swivel heel strap that allows you to wear them as a slingback or slide. They are designed for all-day comfort and easy wear, and the new limited-edition Mustard Seed design makes them even more eye-catching.

RELATED: UGG just slashed the price of its Goldenstar Hi Slide platform sandals

The women’s Goldenstar UGGbraid Clog blends a laid-back California cool style with a modern platform silhouette.

“Crafted from velvety suede, this versatile platform clog offers a wear-with-everything style. If you are reaching for a clog, you’ll want comfort, and the Goldenstar Clog delivers!” UGG states. “The heel strap features our signature UGGbraid and a swivel design for a 2-in-1 wearing option, wear it as a heel strap or stacked on top for an easy on/off, open back option. An ultra-lightweight outsole provides all-day cushion and support.”

Meanwhile the men’s Goldencoast UGGbraid Clog offers the same functional build with a more rugged, go-anywhere vibe.

“Crafted from soft suede, this versatile (men’s) platform clog offers a wear-with-everything style,” UGG states. “The heel strap features our signature UGGbraid and a swivel design for a 2-in-1 wearing option, wear it as a heel strap or stacked on top for an easy on/off, open back option.”

Those interested can checkout both new Mustard Seed UGG clogs here. Kids’ and toddler’s sizes are also available for purchase.

Huntsville city officials would prefer residents attend events with fireworks displays during the Fourth of July rather than shooting their own.

“But we also realize that folks are going to do it anyway,” City Administrator John Hamilton said at last week’s City Council meeting.

“I would encourage people if you continue to do it, try to be smart about it,” he said. “Generally speaking, alcohol and fireworks don’t go well together. … Be conscious of where the children are, where the pets are, things like that. Be smart about what you do.”

Hamilton encourages residents to go online to find out what fireworks are legal to be shot within the city limits.

“In simple terms, things like sparklers and small things that stay on the ground are generally authorized by the ordinance,” he said. “If it stays on the ground, it’s generally going to be OK. Things that are not going to be OK are anything that launches, anything that shoots, or bottle rockets, things like that, small or large, certainly anything that creates a large percussive event are not.”

According to the city’s website, nonexplosive, nonaerial sparkling devices both ground-based and handheld can be used and purchased in the city limits. View here for the detailed fireworks ordinance.

“For many, barbecues and backyard fireworks are a tradition, and when used responsibly and legally, provide safe family fun,” Huntsville Fire Marshal Dan Wilkerson said.

To safely use fireworks, Wilkerson said residents should follow these safety tips:

• Never give fireworks to young children
• Have a working hose and/or bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or hold lighted fireworks in your hand
• Never shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container
• Keep spectators at a safe distance and never aim or throw fireworks at another person
• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework – even when lighting
• Light only one firework at a time
• Stay sober. Never mix fireworks with alcohol or drug consumption
• Never approach or try to re-ignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time

Hamilton also urges dog owners to secure their pets during the holiday.

“We always have a spike in loose animals following July 4th or other holidays where there might be a lot of fireworks because they get scared and find a way to get out and run the streets,” he said.

Councilwomen Michelle Watkins and Jennie Robinson also ask residents to me mindful of neighbors who are veterans who might suffer from PTSD.

Fourth of July fireworks displays

• Village of Providence celebration begins at 6 p.m. with fireworks at dusk.
• Red, White and BOOM at the Athens Sports Plex will be 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
• The Fourth of July Bash at the North Alabama Gin in Hazel Green is 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
• The Independence Day celebration at Mid City is 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (fireworks scheduled at 9:30 p.m.
• The Trash Pandas Fourth of July Festival is 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Toyota Field.
• The Spirit of America fireworks display is 9 p.m. at Point Mallard Park in Decatur.

For the Africatown community and its supporters, the July 4 weekend promises to be a blockbuster: The Clotilda Descendants Association has combined its two biggest events into one multi-day celebration.

In recent years the CDA has presented a Spirit of Our Ancestors Festival early in the year, followed by a Landing event in July. The festival has served as a festive community gathering, while the Landing has been a more somber, spiritual affair commemorating events of July 1860, when the slave ship Clotilda unloaded what is believed to be the last shipment of captive Africans brought into slavery in the United States.

This year the festival has been shifted to the same July weekend as the Landing, which happens to coincide with July 4. The combined festivities are being presented under a new umbrella, “LEAF,” meaning Landing Event and Ancestor Festival.

LEAF Committee Chair Chanelle Blackwell said that the decades-long effort to preserve the legacy of the Clotilda’s survivors and to sustain the Africatown community still inhabited by their descendants has been elevated by some significant events in recent years. These include the scientific confirmation that the wreckage of the Clotilda had been found in the Mobile River, and the release of the award-winning documentary “Descendant,” backed by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground production company.

But the effort to battle challenges such as industrial encroachment and pollution remain a hard fight, she said, requiring continuous effort to maintain attention and focus. The LEAF umbrella was created in part to maximize the participation in, and the impact of, the Landing event and the annual festival.

“I do think the trend is positive,” she said, though there’s still a lot of work to be done to mitigate decades of blight and neglect.

“We were really excited to have [author] Michael Harriot last year,” she said, “and we’re really excited to have [New York Times journalist] Jamelle Bouie speaking this year. It’s important for us to have those voices.”

The weekend includes some gatherings and events intended for descendants of Clotilda survivors. However, it also features many events that are open to the public. They are:

Thursday, July 3, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. – A Clotilda Descendants Association Meet & Greet will be held at the Africatown Heritage House at 2465 Winbush St. in Mobile. (For full information on the Heritage House, including hours, exhibits and ticketing details, visit clotilda.com. Admission is free for Mobile County residents, but timed entry tickets are required due to limited capacity.)

Thursday, July 3, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. – A Descendant Celebration Reception will take place at Kazoola, 558 Dauphin St.

Friday, July 4 – The Ancestor Festival and CDA Environmental Justice Summit take place on the grounds of the Hope Center, 850 Edwards St., and the adjacent Mobile County Training School. Admission is free. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Ramsey Sprague of the Mobile Environmental Justice Action Coalition and Clotilda descendant Assata de la Cruz will lead the Environmental Justice Summit starting shortly after noon.

Friday, July 4, 6 p.m. – The “Protect Truth Summit” featuring New York Times journalist Jamelle Bouie will be held at The Admiral hotel, 251 Government St. Bouie will speak on the topic of “History and Journalism in American Democracy.” Attendance is limited; tickets are $50 for the general public, $10 for Africatown residents, free for Clotilda survivor descendants. For ticketing information, visit the Clotilda Descendants Association website. The event is co-sponsored by Kinfolkology, an organization using contemporary research techniques to integrate data related to slavery, the lives of the enslaved, their communities and their descendants.

Saturday, July 5, 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. – The Landing ceremony will be held under the Africatown Bridge, 101 Bay Bridge Road. Organizers say the public is welcome to “join us for a powerful morning ceremony as we gather at the historic site beneath the Africatown Bridge to honor the legacy of our ancestors and celebrate the ongoing journey of remembrance, resilience, and renewal.” There is no ticketing or attendance limit, but visitors are asked to RSVP to help with planning.

Sunday, July 6, 10:45 a.m. – A church service with descendants will be held at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 506 Bay Bridge Road. Organizers advise that “All are welcome to attend. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis up to the church’s capacity, so we encourage you to arrive early.”

For more information, visit theclotildastory.com/event-directory.

A historic, 140-year-old hotel in east Alabama is on track to receive guests once again as part of a $25 million renovation project gets underway.

The Bluff City Inn, located along Highway 431 in downtown Eufaula, is set to become a state-of-the-art Marriott boutique hotel. RAM Hotels Management, based out of Columbus, Ga., is leading the project, according to WVTM. The hotel, which will be named The Former House, will include 85 rooms, a restaurant, bar, pool and meeting spaces.

Related: Historic, nearly 200-year-old Alabama hotel opens its doors to guests once again

While The Former House is expected to open in fall 2026, the project was originally announced in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Renovations, however, are now back on track.

“It’s a blessing for the town for sure,” Eufaula Mayor Jack Tibbs told WVTM. “It’ll be a major anchor for the downtown. It’ll be known in Alabama and across the South.”

Bluff City Inn was built in 1885 and, as one of the few remaining 19th-century hotels remaining in the state, has become an icon of the area, according to the Abbeville Institute. The three-story hotel, with its picturesque verandah, was once home to historian Anne Kendrick Walker as well as the late Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Gorman Houston.

Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop’s most celebrated figures behind bars for life.

The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to end his career as a hitmaking music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star.

Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters in violation of the federal Mann Act.

The 1910 law originally prohibited the interstate or foreign commerce transport of a woman or girl “for prostitution, debauchery or for any other immoral purpose.”

A 1986 update made the law gender-neutral and effectively ended the Act’s role in trying to legislate morality by changing “debauchery” and “immoral purpose” to “any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.”

Overall, the jury deliberated for about 13 and a half hours over the course of three days.

It’s been almost two months since jury selection began on May 5.

The verdict came as the jury faced the prospect of coming into court Thursday, while the courthouse is otherwise closed, or waiting until after the long Independence Day weekend to resume deliberating if they didn’t have a decision Wednesday.

“In light of the fact that Mr. Combs is no longer charged with sex trafficking … he should be released,” Marc Agnifilo said.

Agnifilo wants Combs to be released today and allowed to return to his Florida home.

He says the acquittal on the serious charges demands a change in Combs’ conditions of release.

Prosecutors oppose Combs being released on bail.

The charges Combs was convicted of carry a maximum of 10 years behind bars, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey notes.

“Mr. Agnifilo tried to downplay the significance” of the charges Combs was convicted of, “but the record says otherwise,” the prosecutor says.

She said the court has heard testimony of years of illegal conduct, transporting sex workers, drug use and attempting to intimidate witnesses.

Comey argued there’s a “real risk that he will flagrantly disregard orders from this court, that he will commit new crimes and that he will attempt to flee justice.”

One of the biggest annual Hallmark Channel events each year is the network’s Christmas in July extravaganza, and this year boasts an incredible lineup of never-before-seen content you won’t want to miss.

The network announced in an April 2025 press release that Hallmark Channel fans and viewers could expect a robust slate of new content hitting their screens throughout the remainder of 2025-26 including new original movies and the reintroduction of television series.

This year, Christmas in July not only includes new original films, but also includes a limited series with some of the network’s fan-favorite stars and a reality special set aboard a cruise ship.

Below you can find the full lineup for this year’s Christmas in July event.

Christmas in July 2025 full lineup

Unwrapping Christmas movie collection: The Unwrapping Christmas movie collection consists of four original movies, and the collection’s debut kicks off with the Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle premiere on Saturday, July 5 at 8/7c.

Following this week’s premiere, the remaining three movies Unwrapping Christmas: Mia’s Prince, Unwrapping Christmas: Lily’s Destiny, and Unwrapping Christmas: Olivia’s Reunion will premiere on July 12, July 19 and July 26 respectively.

Holidazed limited series: In celebration of the upcoming festive season, Hallmark is releasing Holidazed—an eight-episode limited series.

The series will officially hit the network with a two-episode premiere on Sunday, July 6 beginning at 8/7c.

After its two-episode premiere, two new episodes will release each Sunday following until the last two episodes, which are set to premiere on July 27.

Holidazed follows six families from different backgrounds, cultures and generations, all living on the same cul-de-sac, as they gather for the holiday season.

Each episode will center on one of the six families and detail their unique, rich traditions while showcasing how each character navigates family eccentricities.

Christmas at Sea reality special: The new reality special, Christmas at Sea, is set to hit the Hallmark Channel schedule with its release on Monday, July 7 at 8/7c.

The special brings together Hallmark superfans to celebrate the holidays aboard a Christmas cruise to the tropics, filled with festive fun and celebrity surprises.

Joining the fans aboard are some of Hallmark’s fan-favorite actors and actresses including Benjamin Ayres, Jonathan Bennett, Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, Paul Campbell, Taylor Cole, Nikki DeLoach and more.

How to watch Christmas in July 2025

Those hoping to keep up with all the upcoming Christmas in July releases can stream the premieres even without access to traditional cable through the streaming services listed below.

Philo: 7-day free trial ($28 a month after free trial ends)

Fubo: Free trial ($84.99 a month after free trial ends)

DirecTV: 5-day free trial ($86.99 a month after free trial ends)

Sling: 50% off first month and one month free of AMC+ ($45.99 a month after first month)

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is Fubo and DirecTV?

Fubo and DirecTV are two of the top streaming services steadily replacing traditional cable services. Both offer free trials to new subscribers, a plethora of popular live TV channels, on-demand streaming options and helpful features such as unlimited DVR storage.

Fubo considers itself a sports-focused live streaming service, but with over 100 live TV channels available through its base package at just $84.99 after its free trial, it offers much more to its subscribers.

Popular TV channels available through Fubo include ABC, FOX, BET, MTV, CNBC, MSNBC, USA and much more.

DirecTV mirrors Fubo by offering many of the same live TV channels and useful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNN, BET and much more.

Two other DirecTV packages are the Choice package (original price $114.99) and the Ultimate package (original price $129.99), both of which are part of an ongoing promotion that offers new subscribers $10 off the original price for the first three months of their subscription.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top rated TV channels like the Hallmark Channel. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month and one month free of AMC+.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

By Nicol León & Gibran Caroline Boyce | Edited by Dianne Solis & Alfredo Corchado

Immigrant children who crossed the border without a parent or guardian are increasingly in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. That has meant children facing immigration judges without lawyers, and stricter screening processes for releases from shelter custody that have prolonged stays to more than five months.

Adding to tensions are increasing arrests outside immigration courtrooms and raids that could sweep up adult relatives and other hurdles. The chaos for the children and teenagers can be seen in the nation’s immigration courts in such cities as New York, El Paso, and Phoenix.

“You are here because the United States government believes that you should be removed from the United States,” said Judge Ubaid ul-Haq to a girl from the Dominican Republic who watched him via video from a shelter. “It is my job to determine whether you can be removed from the United States.”

The judge, sitting in a courtroom in Manhattan last May, was precise. But the teen girl looked frustrated, as a court interpreter translated to Spanish. The minor’s identity is being withheld because of sensitivities in the case.

“For an adult, it’s almost impossible to navigate immigration court,” said Michelle Ortiz, the director of U.S. legal services at the nonprofit International Rescue Committee (IRC). “Imagine a 12-year-old, 4-year-old, a 17-year-old. It’s impossible to present a case without a lawyer.”

The tougher policy changes are adding to the minors’ trauma, advocates say.

Regardless of one’s politics, said Tatine Darker, an immigration attorney with Church World Services in New York, “Let’s all agree that children should be off limits.”

About 26,000 minors saw funding for lawyers yanked in late March, setting up a legal battle over a landmark anti-trafficking law that has led to chaos. The move slashed the budget of about 100 nonprofits across the nation that helped provide direct legal representation for immigrant minors. For the minors, all under the age of 18, that meant making decisions alone about their defense.

In late April, U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín issued a preliminary injunction so funding would again flow for legal assistance. The judge noted some nonprofits had already issued layoff notices. Citing a friend-of-the-court brief, the judge said children without counsel faced “greater risk of exploitation and human trafficking.”

In mid-May, an appellate court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to pause the lower court ruling.

A week later, a spokesperson for the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) said, “The government is in full compliance with the court’s order.” The spokesperson for the agency that oversees shelters within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declined further comment, citing ongoing litigation.

Hurdles

The funding disruption left many nonprofits scrambling. They’re also assisting immigrant families with the tougher screening procedures and “wellness checks” or “welfare checks” by Department of Homeland Security officials at the homes and schools of unaccompanied minors who have been released to sponsors. Increasing arrests outside immigration courtrooms, government calls to self-deport, and raids throughout the nation add to the stress among children who fear no one will care for them if their sponsor, usually a relative, is detained and deported.

Inside a Dallas immigration courtroom earlier this month, an attorney said his four-year-old client couldn’t make the hearing because his parent was detained by immigration agents. Caseworkers for the boy appeared before Judge Charissa Dvorak to back the story. “I will waive the presence of the child,” the judge said.

In a Phoenix immigration court lobby, flyers in red, white, and blue encourage immigrants to self-deport, listing benefits and consequences. They carry the Department of Justice logo. “Self-deportation is safe. Leave on your own terms by picking your departure flight.” The consequences: “Possible imprisonment…”

In El Paso, Texas, at the Catholic nonprofit Estrella del Paso, which provides legal services to immigrants, executive director Melissa M. López tries to figure out how to keep her legal staff together. Her biggest worries are the children.

“Now, they find themselves without the people who used to answer their questions,” López said. “And they feel alone.”

Stricter screening sent the minors’ shelter stays soaring. The average length of care per month jumped from roughly two months in December 2024 to more than five months by May 2025, according to HHS data. Advocates fear that the mental health of minors will suffer from prolonged stays in government-funded shelters. Many of the screening hurdles have been under litigation, as well, and a federal judge recently ordered a return to the old requirements, but it’s too early to tell if that will reduce shelter time.

Without attorneys, unaccompanied minors are forced to seek expensive private lawyers. In El Paso alone, immigration attorneys who specialize in these cases can charge at least $5,000 for a legal process that may take up to three years to resolve, said López of Estrella del Paso.

The funding is only guaranteed through September 2025, said Ortiz of the International Rescue Committee, a nonprofit that provides legal representation for unaccompanied children across seven states. What happens after that remains uncertain. “These cases last years and years,” Ortiz added. “And if we don’t know whether we’ll have funding after September 29, we can’t make any more commitments beyond the ones we’ve already made.”

In their appeal, the federal government’s attorneys said the plaintiffs can keep representing kids through other funding, such as private donors or pro bono services. But López of the El Paso nonprofit said that because of the large size of the government funding, it’s difficult to find other replacement funding.

Lost in video court

In May, at the Varick Immigration Court in New York City, an immigration judge turned his attention toward a video screen displaying several unaccompanied minors. One teenage girl had not yet been able to take the DNA test that was required by the federal government.

Without direct legal representation, unaccompanied minors have no one to guide them on how to respond when a judge asks which country they should be deported to — a standard question in initial court proceedings. López, from Estrella del Paso, said that if they answer this question with their country of origin, the judge may assume they’re not at risk in that country, potentially undermining their asylum claim.

IRC’s Ortiz warns that if minors show up to court twice without an attorney, the judge may schedule their final hearing without legal counsel, putting them at serious risk of deportation.

Attorneys make a crucial difference for a child or a teen. A 2025 study by the University of Chicago found that only 51% of unaccompanied minors have legal representation. However, among children whose cases were decided in their favor by an immigration judge, 98% were represented by an attorney.

Former judges: “Lawyers can save a kid’s life”

Scenes of more court confusion were detailed in a friend-of-the-court brief in the lawsuit challenging the funding halt. Nearly 50 former immigration judges explained why legal counsel helps minors through legal complexities and can help prevent those children from falling victim to human trafficking.

They recounted how a 14-year-old minor appeared alone in court. Nervous, restless, and trying to stay composed, he told the interpreter he wanted to return to his home country. The judge, alarmed by the request, granted additional time for the boy to speak with an attorney. At the next hearing, the minor, now with the support of legal counsel, revealed to the judge he had been trafficked to the U.S.

The so-called “handlers,” human traffickers from his home country, were “pressuring him to return so they could regain control over him.”

“Until he had the safety and trust of an attorney-client relationship, he had been too frightened to speak up,” the brief read. “That critical pause, that small window of time to speak with counsel, may well have saved his life.”

—

Nicol León reported from El Paso, New York, and Phoenix. Gibran Boyce reported from El Paso and New York. Dianne Solis contributed to this story from Dallas.