Expected commencement of the withdrawal of Guatemalan children housed in American detention centers on Sunday
In a sudden turn of events, the Trump administration is reportedly moving to repatriate hundreds of Guatemalan children who arrived unaccompanied. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the removals of these minors early Sunday.
The case in the US District Court for the District of Columbia involves 10 unaccompanied minors from Guatemala, ranging from ages 10 to 17, who have been identified for removal and are in ongoing immigration proceedings.
Judge Emmet Sullivan issued the temporary restraining order, preventing the US government from removing any of the individual plaintiffs for two weeks. The hearing for the case is set for Sunday afternoon.
The repatriation of these Guatemalan children was expected to begin on Sunday, according to reports. The children were taken out of their beds in the middle of the night for potential repatriation.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement notified shelter providers to prepare for the discharge of children within two hours (or four hours for foster care programs), as they have been identified for "reunification with their parents and or legal guardians" in their country of origin.
The criteria for repatriation include children who do not have a pending asylum case and won't be trafficked upon their return. The children in question are believed to not have a parent in the US, but may have a relative, and have a parent or legal guardian in Guatemala.
One of the children, a 10-year-old indigenous child, has a deceased mother and suffered abuse and neglect in Guatemala. Some attorneys representing the children argue that those identified are at risk if returned to Guatemala and are in ongoing immigration proceedings.
Immigration attorneys representing multiple Guatemalan kids have expressed concerns, telling CNN that the children are terrified and confused about the repatriation.
A lawsuit was filed early Sunday to block the effort, arguing that the Trump administration is violating US law. Despite this, the White House, as well as the departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security, have not responded to requests for comment.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement also notified legal service providers that Guatemala had requested the return of certain unaccompanied alien children in federal custody. The children must be travel ready, including proper documentation, medication, personal belongings, and two prepared sack lunches.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the repatriation of these Guatemalan children will proceed as planned or if the temporary restraining order will be extended.
