Flores Agreement Definition

The Flores Agreement Definition: What You Need to Know

The Flores Agreement is a settlement in a class action lawsuit against the United States government regarding the treatment of immigrant children detained at the border. In 1985, 15-year-old Jenny Flores and other minors were detained by the U.S. government for an extended period of time and were subjected to inhumane conditions. As a result, a class action lawsuit was filed, and in 1997, the Flores Settlement Agreement was reached.

The Flores Agreement emphasizes the following:

1. Detention should be as short as possible and in the least restrictive setting appropriate to the child`s age and needs.

2. Children must be released from detention without unnecessary delay to a parent, legal guardian, adult relative, or other appropriate person.

3. If a suitable non-family member is not available, children must be placed in a non-secure facility licensed by the state.

4. All children must be provided with adequate food, water, medical assistance, and sanitation facilities.

5. Minors are entitled to contact family members, legal representatives, or other persons of their choosing.

6. Children must be provided with education and recreation, including access to legal assistance.

The Flores Agreement also requires that the government provide a “safe, clean and sanitary” environment for detained children. In June 2019, news reports revealed that detained children were being held in unsanitary conditions, without access to basic necessities such as soap and toothbrushes. This led to public outcry and legal challenges to the government`s ability to meet the requirements of the Flores Agreement.

In September 2019, the Trump administration announced the termination of the Flores Agreement. The new rules proposed by the administration would allow for indefinite detention of migrant children and would remove the requirement that children be held in licensed, non-secure facilities.

The Flores Agreement definition is an important aspect of understanding the rights of immigrant children detained at the U.S. border. It sets the standards for humane treatment and underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable populations. As immigration policy continues to evolve, it is critical that the Flores Agreement remains in place to ensure that the rights of migrant children are protected.