Court issues emergency pause on removals
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Sunday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting a group of Guatemalan children. The emergency order followed urgent filings from lawyers who said the planned flights violated legal protections.
Ten minors identified, ruling applies broadly
The case involves 10 unaccompanied children, ages 10 to 17, who lawyers said were hours away from being sent back to Guatemala late Saturday. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan issued a 14-day halt, requiring that the children remain in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). She clarified that the order covers all Guatemalan minors held by federal authorities, not just the 10 named in the suit.
Dispute over government’s reunification claims
Government attorneys contended the children were being returned to parents or guardians rather than deported. Advocates representing the minors challenged this, noting many families had not requested reunification. The judge highlighted the conflicting narratives, stating that the administration’s account did not align with evidence presented by the children’s lawyers.
Legal opposition spreads as deportation flights appear imminent
Additional lawsuits have been filed in Arizona and Illinois, signaling growing nationwide resistance to the administration’s plan. Meanwhile, at a border airport in Harlingen, Texas, activity suggested flights were being prepared: buses carrying migrants rolled onto the tarmac, security kept reporters behind barriers, and planes were readied for departure as crews conducted final checks while the Washington court issued its ruling.
