WASHINGTON, D.C.: The White House intends to detain migrant families together but might therefore hold children longer than previously allowed, according to new court documents filed by the US Justice Department.

'The government will not separate families but detain families together during the pendency of immigration proceedings when they are apprehended at or between ports of entry,' the Justice Department said in documents filed Friday (Saturday in Manila) as the Donald Trump administration struggles to quell fury over the controversial separation of minors from their families.