A federal judge halted the Trump administration’s attempt to deport hundreds of unaccompanied Guatemalan children, raising concerns about the legality and safety of the removals.

Emergency Court Action

Judge Sparkle Sooknanan issued an order Sunday morning after learning that some children were already in the process of being transported. She instructed the government to stop all deportations immediately and required a status update confirming that the children had deplaned.

Lawyers Warn of Harm

Attorneys with the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) argued the deportations violated federal protections for unaccompanied minors. Attorney Efrén Olivares said many of the children fear returning to Guatemala, with some reporting abuse and neglect by relatives there.

Government’s Defense

The Justice Department claimed the removals were lawful and coordinated with the Guatemalan government, asserting that the children’s parents or guardians requested their return. But Sooknanan expressed skepticism, citing sworn statements from children describing fear of going back.

Hundreds at Risk

According to NILC, more than 600 Guatemalan children in U.S. custody could be targeted for removal. Most are indigenous and speak languages other than English or Spanish, leaving them particularly vulnerable to confusion or coercion.

What Comes Next

The court will continue reviewing the case, with lawyers pushing to ensure every child has the chance to present their case before an immigration judge.

“It is a dark and dangerous moment when our government chooses to target orphaned 10-year-olds and denies them their most basic legal right,” Olivares said.

For more updates on deportations across the nation, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.