The limited space at immigration holding centers is resulting in makeshift holding areas outdoors for migrants, which poses public health concerns especially for migrant children. As early as today, a Federal District Judge in California could rule if the government is responsible for sheltering and feeding migrant children while they wait, reports Emily Baumgaertner of The New York Times. 

Multiple complaints have been filed by advocacy groups, all in reference to the Flores settlement, a 1997 federal court agreement which guaranteed a certain standard of treatment for children detained by the government in immigration cases. 

The Department of Justice has argued that while waiting, these children are not yet in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  

"There is no logic if the most powerful country in the history of humanity, the country with the highest concentration of wealth, is not able to provide for basic needs of children," said Adriana Jasso of American Friends Service Committee.

Separately, in certain areas of the border, like Tucson, the number of families and children crossing continues to grow, reports Danyelle Khmara of AZMP News. 

However, the most recent Customs and Border Protection data, encounters reported at the Southwest border area (California, New Mexico, Texas and Arizona) are still mainly single adults.  

Welcome to Friday’s edition of The Forum Daily. I’m Clara Villatoro, the Forum’s strategic communications senior manager, and the great Forum Daily team also includes Jillian Clark, Dan Gordon, and Darika Verdugo. If you have a story to share from your own community, please send it to me at [email protected]. 

TEMPORARY EFFECT — The Mexican government’s crackdown on migrants moving north has particularly impacted Venezuelans, report Christopher Sherman, Elliot Spagat and Valerie Gonzalez of the Associated Press. Mexico’s efforts include sending migrants back near Guatemala and returning some of them home on special flights. In the last two months the arrest of Venezuelans at the border has declined. But migrants face many dangers in Mexico from cartels to gang activities, including some abuse from authorities, Mexico’s strategy could have a temporary effect, the AP Team notes.  

NEW AMERICANS — In California, more than 100 children from 20 countries became naturalized citizens of the United States this week, report Helen Jeong and Amber Frias of NBC Los Angeles. "It means everything to actually be a citizen and look for more opportunities," said Mexican-born Miguel Maldonado. Meanwhile, in Houston, over 1,300 people became American citizens in a meaningful ceremony that for many fades away their fear of deportation, reports Jhair Romero of The Houston Chronicle.  

REUNITED — A refugee family in North Texas is hoping to reunite through the Welcome Corps program, reports Caroline Vandergriff for CBS News Texas. Separated from their family by war in South Sudan, Jacob Mabil and his wife Akuot Leek now hope to reunite with their two nieces. The program allows private U.S. citizens to sponsor refugees. The couple is teaming up with other family and friends to sponsor their nieces. "We want a future for them," said Leek. 

This week in local welcome: 

BIBLICAL — In a faith-perspective reflection, Jeff Schultz dives into the scripture in his op-ed for USA Today  and highlights what he sees as most relevant to the immigration conversation today. Referencing former President Trump’s newest business venture, selling a "God Bless the USA Bible," Schultz writes: "I sincerely hope the former president is not just endorsing the Bible but also reading it – especially as it relates to how God calls us to treat immigrants, because there are important messages there for all of us."   

Thanks for reading,  

Clara 

P.S. A story we didn’t catch until it moved on the Associated Press wire: New York City’s largest Girl Scout troop has been welcoming migrant children, reports Sara Herschander of The Chronicle of Philanthropy.