This week, President Joe Biden pulled out from settlement talks with illegal immigrants who had been “separated” from their families after crossing the border illegally.

“Amid political outcry from Republican lawmakers, after the settlement talks were reported, the government told outside negotiators the number would need to be lowered,” The Wall Street Journal reported. “This week, the lawyers say, the Justice Department pulled out of negotiations entirely.”

The Wall Street Journal reported that in October, the Biden administration was considering paying $450,000 for every illegal alien who was removed from their families. This could “could amount close to $1,000,000 per family,” though final numbers could change.

According to the October report, many families will likely receive smaller payouts depending upon their circumstances. The total payout could exceed $1 billion. This move is being made by the Biden administration as it works to resolve almost a thousand family lawsuits.

Justice Department spokeswoman Dena Iverson said that the Biden administration still remained “committed to engaging with the plaintiffs and to bringing justice to the victims.”

Lee Gelernt, the American Civil Liberties Union Immigrants Rights Project Deputy Director, spoke out about the news, saying that while politics can sometimes play a part in DOJ decisions, it was shameful that it occurred when little children’s lives were at risk.

He said, “History won’t look kindly upon the Biden administration’s decision to not stand up for these little children,” he added.