9th Circuit Denies Trump Administration’s "En Banc" Appeal to Cut Legal Aid for 26,000 Migrant Children; 10 Judges Dissent

The Trump administration has sought an "en banc" review from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding a three-judge panel's ruling that a temporary restraining order (TRO) restoring funding for legal representation of unaccompanied migrant children is unappealable. The 9th Circuit initially denied this request without referring it for a vote. Subsequently, judges issued a rapid rejection of the administration's effort to lift the block on funding cuts to migrant children aid organizations. However, the 9th Circuit panel later withdrew its order denying the en banc review without explanation. The court again denied the en banc review, but this time 10 judges dissented, disagreeing with the panel's position that the TRO was not appealable. At the time the funding was cut, over 26,000 children were receiving legal representation through the program and its service providers, with more than half of Americans supporting the initiative to provide legal services to unaccompanied children. Despite the court rulings blocking the funding cuts, aid groups report that the funding has not yet resumed.