Court intervenes after last-minute legal challenge
On Sunday, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., issued an emergency injunction stopping the Trump administration from deporting a group of Guatemalan minors. The decision came after attorneys warned that the planned removals were proceeding unlawfully.
Ten children directly involved, ruling extends to all minors
The legal case concerns 10 unaccompanied children, ages 10 to 17, who lawyers said were hours away from being flown to Guatemala late Saturday. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan blocked their deportation for 14 days, directing that they remain in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). She emphasized that the order applies broadly to all Guatemalan children in federal custody.
Conflicting accounts over children’s placement
Government attorneys argued the children were being returned to parents or legal guardians rather than deported. Advocates for the minors disputed this, noting that many families had not requested reunification. The judge acknowledged the contradictory versions, saying the government’s account did not align with evidence submitted by the children’s legal representatives.
Legal battles expand as deportation preparations continue
Additional lawsuits have been filed in Arizona and Illinois, signaling a nationwide challenge to the administration’s removal efforts. Meanwhile, in Harlingen, Texas, activity at a border airport suggested flights were being readied: buses transporting migrants moved onto the tarmac, journalists were held back by security, and planes were prepared for departure as the Washington ruling was issued.
