A dramatic late night ruling in the United States has stopped the deportation of hundreds of Guatemalan children who were hours away from being flown back to their country. The move came after immigration lawyers filed an emergency petition, warning that the minors had been denied due process and could face harm if returned without proper hearings.
Federal Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan issued a 14 day restraining order halting the removals. According to reports, some children had already boarded planes on Sunday when the ruling was announced. They were quickly removed and returned to federal shelters overseen by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
The U.S. government defended the plan as part of family reunification, claiming that parents in Guatemala had requested the return of their children. But immigrant rights advocates argue that the policy amounts to mass deportation under a different label, with little regard for child welfare or international obligations. Human rights groups stress that unaccompanied minors remain one of the most vulnerable populations in custody, and that they deserve individual hearings before any removal.
The episode has ignited fresh debate over immigration policy in Washington. Some lawmakers voiced concern that the move could violate child protection standards and undermine America’s commitment to humanitarian values. Reports suggest that as many as 600 Guatemalan children were slated to be returned under a pilot program between the two governments, sparking anger from advocacy groups.
For now, the children remain in the United States as the case continues to unfold. The temporary court order highlights the clash between government policy, legal protections, and human rights, with the final outcome likely to shape how America handles the care of unaccompanied migrant minors in the months ahead.