Federal judge halts repatriation of nearly 700 migrant kids to Guatemala
A Biden-appointed Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Flying Out Illegal Alien Children
In a surprising turn of events, a federal judge appointed by President Biden has halted the Trump administration’s efforts to repatriate nearly 700 illegal alien children to Guatemala over Labor Day weekend. The emergency order came after immigrant advocacy groups raised concerns about the mass deportation of minors.
The pilot program, aimed at reuniting the children with their parents or guardians in Guatemala, was put on hold by U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan. By the time the judge intervened, charter buses were already lined up next to planes in Harlingen and El Paso, with some children already onboard.
Justice Department lawyer Drew Ensign defended the administration’s actions, stating that the children were not being removed but rather repatriated at the request of their parents or guardians in Guatemala.
‘LAWLESS AND INSANE’: Trump Administration Faces Legal Battle After Repatriation Flights Halted
Despite the administration’s explanation, advocacy groups like the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) condemned the move, accusing the government of targeting orphaned children.
The lawsuit, LGML v. Noem, named several high-ranking officials as defendants, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The lead plaintiff, a 10-year-old girl whose mother had passed away, was at the center of the legal battle.
Federal Judge Puts a Stop to Trump Administration’s Deportation Efforts
Judge Sooknanan criticized the administration for trying to remove children from the country in the early hours of a holiday weekend, calling the timing “surprising.” The administration argued that the repatriation flights were lawful reunifications negotiated with the Guatemalan government.
However, advocacy groups raised concerns about the lack of due process for the children, who were being rushed out without hearings or the opportunity to seek asylum.
