A worrying new report shows that around 400 immigrant children in the United States were held in detention beyond the court-set 20-day limit — a situation that has alarmed many people who care about kids’ rights. www.ndtv.com+1
Earlier this week, lawyers filed documents revealing that between August and September 2025, hundreds of children who were migrating — many unaccompanied by adults — stayed in detention centers for more than 20 days, and some were held for as long as 168 days. www.ndtv.com+1
These children were sometimes kept in places not meant for long-term care, like hotels, and the legal filings say that many lacked proper medical care, legal help, and safe living conditions while detained. www.ndtv.com+1
Advocates and legal experts say the practice violates rules designed to protect migrant children. Under a 1997 court agreement, children are supposed to be released or transferred within 20 days of arrival — but the recent report shows that system is failing. www.ndtv.com+1
The children, many of whom may have fled danger or hardship in their home countries, were left waiting for assistance, their futures uncertain. Among those detained, some spent months away from families, without sufficient care or support, which can be hard on a child’s health, education hopes and emotional well-being. www.ndtv.com+1
Human rights organisations and lawyers are now urging U.S. authorities to follow the rules properly and to improve conditions for migrant children — so that every child is treated with dignity, fairness and safety.
This news matters because it affects real children — children just like many of you reading this. It shows how important laws and agreements are when it comes to protecting kids, and how sometimes things go wrong even when rules are meant to help.
If you want to read more about how the world protects kids’ rights — or how you can help — check out our World & Rights section and Kids & Society corner.
