Immigrants line up in the dining hall at a U.S. government holding center for migrant children, July 9, 2019, in Carrizo Springs, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
In her Tuesday order, Martínez-Olguín said that advocates had raised legitimate questions about whether the administration violated the 2008 law, warranting a return to the status quo while the case continues.
"The Court additionally finds that the continued funding of legal representation for unaccompanied children promotes efficiency and fairness within the immigration system," she wrote.
It is the third legal setback in less than a week for the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, though all may prove temporary as the lawsuits advance.
This photo shows migrants at the southern border encountered in Arizona. (U.S. Border Patrol)
The plaintiffs said they are not asking for the contract to be restored but instead want a return to the status quo – which is spending $5 billion that Congress appropriated so children have representation, Karen Tumlin with the Justice Action Center said at a court hearing Tuesday.
Jonathan Ross with the Department of Justice said the government is still funding legally required activities, such as the "know your rights" clinics, and that legal clinics can offer their services without charge.
"They're still free to provide those services on a pro bono basis," he said.
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Martinez-Olguin’s order takes effect Wednesday morning and will last until at least April 16.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-appointed-judge-blocks-trump-admin-from-terminating-legal-aid-unaccompanied-migrant-children