US Judge Halts Government Move to Deport Unaccompanied Guatemalan Minors

A US judge blocked the Trump administration from deporting unaccompanied Guatemalan children for at least two weeks, following a petition by the National Immigration Law Center. The emergency order, issued by District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan, came after reports that some children aged 10–17 were already being boarded onto planes in Texas. The ruling applies to all Guatemalan minors without guardians. The decision followed concerns that deported children could face abuse or torture in Guatemala. Despite Guatemala’s willingness to receive them, rights groups argue the move violates legal protections. The Trump administration is expected to appeal quickly to resume deportations.