DOJ Asks Court To Ease Migrant Reunification Deadline

Politico reports:

With a court-ordered deadline looming for the Trump administration to reunite young immigrant children separated from their parents, the Justice Department is asking a federal judge to allow officials more time in some cases.

Immigration officials are also asking for relief from part of U.S. District Court Judge Dana Sabraw’s injunction that could require the release of adult immigrant detainees if their children can’t be reunited with them in time to meet the deadlines Sabraw set last week requiring that children under five be returned to their parents within 14 days and older children within 30 days.

In a filing submitted to the San Diego-based judge shortly before midnight Thursday Pacific Time, Justice Department attorneys said authorities are using DNA testing to try to confirm “parentage” of children separated as a result of policies the administration implemented earlier this year. However, they said the results are not always quick or “conclusive.”