Two senators, Lisa Murkowski and Jon Ossoff, have come together in a rare bipartisan effort to criticize the Trump administration’s decision to terminate a federal contract providing legal representation to 26,000 unaccompanied children in the U.S. The senators expressed concern that ending the contract puts vulnerable children at risk of trafficking and exploitation, depriving them of a fair legal process.

Their letter, obtained by NPR, marks a notable bipartisan rebuke of the administration’s immigration policy, which has predominantly faced criticism from Democrats. The terminated contract with the Acacia Center for Justice, which offered legal services to unaccompanied migrant children, including in-court representation, has sparked controversy.

Ossoff and Murkowski argue that ending legal representation for these children means they will face court proceedings without adult advocates, potentially leading to life-altering consequences. The senators also raised concerns that ending the legal funding could violate the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, which mandates legal counsel for unaccompanied children.

The dispute over the contract termination has led to legal battles, with subcontractor groups suing the government. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order in favor of the groups, compelling HHS to restore funding temporarily. The administration has agreed to extend the contract for six months to transition to new representation, but uncertainties remain about the future protection of these vulnerable children.

Shaina Aber, executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice, emphasized the importance of ensuring children understand their rights and have access to legal advocates. The Justice Department’s order to halt funding for various Acacia programs adds further complexity to the situation, leaving the future support for these children in question.