A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to deport 76 unaccompanied Guatemalan children from U.S. custody in a late-night operation, citing violations of due process and safety concerns for the minors. This emergency intervention halted flights that were poised to return the children to Guatemala, where many fear persecution or abuse.
In the early hours of August 31, 2025, immigration authorities awakened dozens of Guatemalan minors in shelters across the United States, informing them they were being prepared for immediate repatriation. Children as young as teenagers were roused from their beds around 1:00 a.m., with some experiencing extreme distress, including vomiting, crying, and expressions of terror at the prospect of returning to their home country. Shelter staff were directed to collect personal belongings and medications, while legal service providers scrambled to respond to the sudden move.
The Trump administration justified the action by stating it was responding to a request from the Guatemalan government for family reunification, with officials claiming that parents in Guatemala had sought their children’s return. However, attorneys for the minors quickly filed an emergency lawsuit, arguing that the operation violated U.S. immigration laws designed to protect unaccompanied children, including their right to due process and opportunities to seek asylum or other protections.
U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan issued a temporary restraining order in the early morning of August 31, halting the deportations for 14 days and emphasizing the need to prevent ‘grave and irreparable harm’ to the children. The judge’s order applied broadly to all Guatemalan minors in Office of Refugee Resettlement custody, potentially affecting up to 700 children, and required the government to cease any transfer or removal efforts immediately.
Many of the children involved have fled dangerous conditions in Guatemala, including gang violence, human trafficking, and domestic abuse. Court declarations reveal harrowing accounts, such as a 17-year-old who feared being killed upon return and an LGBTQ+ individual who stated they would consider suicide rather than go back. These narratives underscore the potential risks faced by the minors if deported without proper legal review.
The legal dispute continues, with attorneys for the children seeking a longer-term injunction to prevent future deportation attempts. The case has been reassigned to U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, with hearings scheduled for September 10 to further arguments. The Trump administration has denounced the judicial intervention, with officials like Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security calling it ‘disgusting and immoral’ for keeping children in shelters instead of reuniting them with families.
This incident highlights broader tensions in U.S. immigration policy, particularly regarding the treatment of vulnerable unaccompanied minors. It raises questions about the balance between enforcement actions and humanitarian protections, with advocates urging adherence to established legal protocols that ensure children’s safety and rights are upheld. The outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings could set precedents for how such cases are handled in the future.