US federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of unaccompanied Guatemalan children, including some already on planes. The 14-day restraining order ensures the safety of minors and allows proper legal review, according to Reuters.
The ruling applies to all unaccompanied Guatemalan children in federal care without finalized removal orders. Authorities confirmed that children already on flights were returned to shelters.
Advocates criticized the late-night deportation attempt as bypassing legal protections, while the Trump administration said the move aimed to reunite children with their families in Guatemala, Reuters reported.
