Family separation enjoined, then constrained by settlement
Reporting and findings
- settled
The later Ms. L. settlement established limits on future separations and provided reunification work, immigration relief, and support services; the Justice Department's immigration-review office was still operating legal services for settlement class members in June 2026.
- United States Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review: Legal Services for Ms. L. Class Members and Qualifying Additional Family MembersProgram description; page updated June 2, 2026
- United States Department of Justice: U.S. Government Reaches Settlement in Class Action Family Separation Case Seeking Injunctive ReliefPress release, settlement terms paragraphs 1-3
- enjoined
On June 26, 2018, the district court certified a class of separated parents, preliminarily prohibited future separations except in specified circumstances, and required reunification of families already separated.
- United States Department of Justice: U.S. Government Reaches Settlement in Class Action Family Separation Case Seeking Injunctive ReliefPress release, litigation background paragraphs 1-2
- documented
The Ms. L. court enjoined family separation in June 2018; the later proposed settlement provided for continuing restrictions and reunification obligations.
- United States Department of Justice: U.S. Government Reaches Settlement in Class Action Family Separation Case Seeking Injunctive ReliefBackground describing the June 2018 injunction and settlement limits
Summary and current status
A federal court blocked most parent-child separations and ordered reunification; a later settlement added future limits and support services.
Settlement services were active at last review.
People and organizations
- Ms. L. v. ICE family-separation class actionclass action and settlement
- Donald J. Trumppresident during the challenged separation practice
Relationships in this file
- Donald J. Trumpled administration whose separation practice was enjoinedMs. L. v. ICE family-separation class action
Figures
Distinct action judicially blocked1 count Calculation details
- Basis
- Observed
- Population
- Family-separation policy addressed in Ms. L.
- Period
- 2018-06-26 to 2018-06-26
- As of
- 2026-09-13
- Method
- Count the action once, not each ruling, plaintiff, affected person, or constitutional ground. Later appellate review does not create another action; this measure does not assert completed appellate review.
- Uncertainty
- One documented matter or action in the reviewed corpus. This is not a complete census of all proceedings or presidential actions.