Backlash in Sunrise (33313): Trump-Era HHS Rule Booting Undocumented Kids from Head Start Sparks Lawsuit – IMMEDIATE LEGAL CHALLENGE FILED

Sunrise (33313) – A sweeping new lawsuit is taking aim at a controversial Trump administration policy revived by federal health officials—one that critics say unlawfully excludes undocumented children from Head Start programs across South Florida and the nation.

Civil rights groups, child advocacy organizations, and multiple immigrant families in Broward County have joined forces in a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), accusing the agency of unlawfully denying access to Head Start programs for undocumented children.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Lawsuit filed in Florida over HHS policy excluding undocumented kids from Head Start

• IMPACT: Hundreds of immigrant children denied access across South Florida

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “This is catastrophic for the most vulnerable.” – Maya Velazquez, Florida Immigrant Justice Project

• ACTION: Families can call 1-888-600-5762 to report expulsion or seek legal aid

The suit, filed Tuesday in the Southern District of Florida, centers around a reinstated Trump-era rule that bars children without legal immigration status from enrolling in federally funded early childhood education programs. Plaintiffs argue that the policy violates federal law, undermines decades of educational precedent, and causes “catastrophic harm” to low-income immigrant communities.

“This is not just unlawful—it’s cruel and catastrophic,” said Maya Velazquez, lead attorney for the Florida Immigrant Justice Project. “We’re talking about toddlers being denied education because of paperwork they can’t control.”

The revived policy has already impacted hundreds of families in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. In some cases, children were expelled midyear without warning.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Sunrise (33313) – Head Start Center near NW 60th Ave and Sunset Strip

2. Community Connection:

   “My daughter cried when they told her not to come back. She’s only four.”
   – Elena M., Sunrise mother and plaintiff in the lawsuit

HHS officials have not commented on the suit but previously defended the policy as consistent with congressional guidelines for eligibility. Critics say it’s an overreach that contradicts the humanitarian mission of Head Start and could have lasting consequences on childhood development.

The suit seeks an immediate injunction to halt the enforcement of the rule and allow affected children to re-enroll. A hearing date is expected to be scheduled within the week.

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  The lawsuit comes just as new school-year enrollment deadlines approach, leaving thousands of undocumented children at risk of being excluded from early learning entirely. Florida ranks among the top five states for children living in mixed-status households.

Update Log

• 9:30 AM: Lawsuit filed in Southern District of Florida

• 11:00 AM: 17 South Florida families join as co-plaintiffs

• 2:45 PM: Temporary injunction request filed to halt removals