The only nonprofit in Oregon providing legal representation to unaccompanied migrant children has been forced to suspend its services due to a federal funding cutoff. Immigration Counseling Service (ICS), based in Portland, received a stop-work order from the U.S. Department of the Interior, pausing its operations indefinitely.
ICS is among nearly 100 providers subcontracted to the Acacia Center for Justice, which has helped over 26,000 children through the federally funded Unaccompanied Children Program. The program, managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, had received $200 million annually. Despite the funding cut, ICS Executive Director Frank Garcia stated the nonprofit will continue working pro bono to avoid leaving children without legal support.
The funding halt comes amid broader budget cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration. The newly established Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, has claimed savings of $55 billion through contract cancellations and employee dismissals. In response, Oregon and 13 other states have filed a lawsuit against Trump, Musk, and the new department, arguing that its establishment violates the U.S. Constitution.
In addition to the stop-work order, ICS also faced a funding freeze on a federal grant from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, disrupting a planned naturalization education program. Garcia emphasized that while the nonprofit will continue supporting active cases, the loss of funding means they cannot take on new clients.
Why does this matter?
This decision leaves thousands of vulnerable migrant children without legal representation, heightening concerns about their due process rights. The ongoing lawsuit and policy changes could have long-term implications for immigration services and legal aid in the U.S.