Mary Giovagnoli, a former public defender, has dedicated over two decades to advocating for unaccompanied minors in U.S. immigration law. After witnessing the emotional toll of her early work, she realized her impact could be greater within the government, leading her to roles at the Immigration and Naturalization Service and in nonprofits. She focused on the Flores agreement, which ensures basic rights for minors in custody. In 2024, she was appointed to head the Unaccompanied Children Office of the Ombuds, emphasizing the need for children's release into family care rather than detention.
Giovagnoli emphasized the importance of prioritizing the release of unaccompanied children to family members over keeping them in detention, stressing a unique responsibility for their welfare.
Highlighting the significance of the Flores agreement, Giovagnoli pointed out that it establishes rights and protections specifically for children in immigration custody, promoting their safety and quick release.
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