WESLACO – A case, which began in the 1980s, could stand between the separation and unification of families who cross into the U.S. illegally.

Children in custody were housed in facilities with adults who were not related to them.

In 1997, the Flores Settlement Agreement was put in effect. It ordered the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, now divided into different agencies under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to expedite the reunification between minors in custody and their parents.

An executive order signed on Thursday instructs the Attorney General to file a request to modify the Flores Settlement.

Under the order, families would be detained together unless it brings harm to the child.

KRGV's Valerie Gonzalez explains what this executive order means for families.

Watch the video above for the full story.