Court intervenes following urgent legal motion
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Sunday issued an emergency order preventing the Trump administration from deporting a group of Guatemalan minors. The injunction was prompted by last-minute filings from attorneys who contended that the planned removals were unlawful.
Ten minors involved, protections extend to all in custody
The case centers on 10 unaccompanied children between the ages of 10 and 17, who lawyers said were hours from being flown to Guatemala late Saturday. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan blocked the deportations for 14 days and directed that the children remain under the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). She emphasized that her order applies broadly to all Guatemalan minors currently held by federal authorities, not just those named in the suit.
Government and advocates present conflicting accounts
Attorneys for the administration argued the children were being returned to parents or guardians rather than deported. Lawyers representing the minors disputed that explanation, noting that many families had not requested reunification. The judge highlighted the contradiction, stating that the government’s version did not align with evidence presented by the children’s advocates.
Legal resistance spreads as deportation flights loom
Parallel lawsuits have been filed in Arizona and Illinois, reflecting growing nationwide challenges to the administration’s plan. At a border airport in Harlingen, Texas, preparations for potential flights were visible: buses carrying migrants moved onto the tarmac, security personnel restricted reporters, and planes were positioned for takeoff as crews conducted final checks while the Washington court issued its ruling.
