Court steps in after urgent legal filings
On Sunday, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., issued an emergency injunction stopping the Trump administration from deporting a group of Guatemalan children. The ruling followed last-minute appeals from attorneys who said the planned removals were unlawful.
Ten children identified, ruling extends to all in federal custody
The case centers on 10 unaccompanied minors, ages 10 to 17, who lawyers said were hours from being flown to Guatemala late Saturday. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan suspended the deportations for 14 days and ordered that the children remain under the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). She stressed that her order applies to all Guatemalan minors held by federal authorities, not just those named in the suit.
Government and advocates offer conflicting accounts
Attorneys for the administration argued that the children were being returned to parents or guardians rather than forcibly deported. Advocates for the minors disputed that explanation, noting that many families had not requested reunification. The judge highlighted the conflicting narratives, saying the government’s account did not align with evidence submitted by the children’s legal representatives.
Legal resistance grows as deportation flights appear imminent
Additional lawsuits have been filed in Arizona and Illinois, reflecting rising nationwide opposition to the administration’s deportation plan. Meanwhile, at a border airport in Harlingen, Texas, activity suggested flights were being prepared: buses transporting migrants moved onto the tarmac, security blocked reporters, and planes were readied for departure as crews conducted final checks while the Washington court issued its ruling.
