TPM Files FOIA Action for Journalist Mark Betancourt to Obtain Information About Trump Administration Practices Regarding Pregnant Unaccompanied Minors
More than seven months ago, journalist Mark Betancourt requested records from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) about the Trump administration’s practices regarding pregnant unaccompanied minors in immigration custody. Mr. Betancourt recently reported that the Trump administration is transferring all pregnant unaccompanied minors to a single facility in San Benito, Texas. Experts warn that this facility is medically inadequate for pregnant minors, all of whom have high-risk pregnancies. Details related to the policy are unknown to the public.
Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), federal agencies must notify requestors within 20 days of the request which records will be produced and then must promptly produce the records. HHS has not produced any of the requested records in the seven months since the FOIA request, nor has it indicated whether or when it will produce any records.
On February 25, 2026, Terris, Pravlik & Millian, LLP (TPM) filed a lawsuit for Mr. Betancourt against HHS asking the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to order the agency to produce the documents promptly. A copy of the complaint is here.
If you have any questions about the case, please call Jaclyn Deitch at 202-204-8473.