A 9-year-old boy with severe autism was held in ICE detention for more than 80 days — far beyond the 20-day limit set under the Flores Settlement. According to NBC News reporting, more than 900 children have been detained longer than 20 days in recent months. Some have been held for months. Children have reportedly experienced regression, nightmares, self-harm, and emotional trauma while confined in a prisonlike facility. No child — especially one with severe autism — should be detained for months without therapy, consistent education, or certainty about release. The law sets limits for a reason. We call on the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to immediately comply with the 20-day Flores limit, release children held beyond it, and prioritize community-based alternatives to detention. Justice for him.Justice for every child held beyond the law. Photo: Bryan Tarnowski for NBC News