Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Deportation of Guatemalan Minors

In a significant legal decision, a federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from deporting unaccompanied Guatemalan minors who are still facing active immigration cases. Judge Timothy Kelly, based in Washington, D.C., ruled against the administration's move, emphasizing the lack of evidence supporting its claims.

The controversy arose after an attempt to deport 76 Guatemalan children housed in U.S. custody was thwarted, leading to legal action and an emergency hearing. The Department of Justice initially claimed parental consent for the deportations, a stance it later abandoned following an internal report highlighting communication issues with the parents.

Judge Kelly's decision underscores the discrepancies in the government's assertions, noting that many parents, including a Guatemalan mother interviewed from outside Guatemala City, do not wish their children to be returned to their home country amidst ongoing legal matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)