A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s attempt to deport hundreds of unaccompanied Guatemalan children, issuing a restraining order that prevents their removal for two weeks amid concerns over legal procedures and child safety. The decision came after advocacy groups raised alarms that the children were being denied their rights to seek asylum and faced risks of harm in Guatemala.
On Sunday, August 31, 2025, U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan intervened upon learning that the government was preparing to deport up to 600 minors, some of whom were already aboard planes at airports in Texas. The emergency action was prompted by lawsuits filed by the National Immigration Law Center, which argued that the administration was violating federal law by not allowing the children to present their cases in immigration court.
During a hastily scheduled hearing, government lawyer Drew Ensign claimed the deportations were lawful and intended to reunite the children with their families in Guatemala, as requested by the Guatemalan government. However, attorneys for the minors contested this, presenting evidence that many fear returning due to risks of abuse, neglect, or persecution, and that proper procedures were not followed.
Judge Sooknanan expressed skepticism about the government’s arguments, noting the unusual timing of the operation on a holiday weekend. She issued a temporary restraining order barring any removals for 14 days and ordered that all children be removed from planes and returned to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
The children involved are under the care of the Department of Health and Human Services, having entered the U.S. alone without legal guardians. Federal law mandates that unaccompanied minors receive shelter and are not deported without full immigration proceedings, which include assessments to ensure their safety upon return.
This incident echoes previous controversies where the administration has faced legal challenges over immigration enforcement actions. The judge’s order ensures that the children remain in U.S. custody pending further court hearings, which will address the legality of the planned deportations.
Advocacy groups have hailed the decision as a victory for child protection, while the administration defends its actions as necessary for border security and family reunification. The case highlights the complex interplay between immigration policy, judicial oversight, and humanitarian concerns.
In the coming weeks, the court will examine whether the administration’s actions comply with existing laws. The outcome could have significant implications for how unaccompanied minors are treated under U.S. immigration law, potentially influencing future policy decisions and setting precedents for similar cases.