Court acts after urgent legal appeal
A Washington, D.C., federal judge on Sunday issued an emergency order stopping the Trump administration from deporting a group of Guatemalan children. The injunction followed immediate legal filings arguing that the planned removals were being carried out in violation of the law.
Ten minors identified, ruling extends to all in custody
The case concerns 10 unaccompanied children, ages 10 to 17, who attorneys said were hours from being flown to Guatemala late Saturday. Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan imposed a 14-day pause and directed that the children remain in the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). She clarified that the order applies broadly to all Guatemalan minors held by federal authorities, not just those named in the lawsuit.
Conflicting claims over children’s placements
Government lawyers maintained that the children were being returned to parents or guardians rather than deported. Advocates representing the minors disputed that explanation, pointing out that many families had not requested reunification. The judge noted the contradiction, saying the government’s account did not match the evidence presented by the children’s attorneys.
Nationwide legal opposition and airport preparations
Additional lawsuits have been filed in Arizona and Illinois, highlighting widespread resistance to the administration’s deportation plan. Meanwhile, at an airport in Harlingen, Texas, activity suggested flights were being prepared: buses carrying migrants rolled onto the tarmac, security blocked reporters, and planes were readied for departure as crews conducted pre-flight checks while the Washington ruling was issued.
