Washington, D.C. – A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction, halting the planned removal of unaccompanied Guatemalan minors from U.S. custody. The order came down Sunday afternoon, just as the U.S. government was beginning the process of repatriating some of the children. This dramatic intervention throws a wrench into the Biden administration's efforts to comply with a Supreme Court ruling allowing the deportation of these minors.

The legal battle stems from a challenge to the administration's policy regarding the processing of asylum claims for unaccompanied minors. The Supreme Court recently ruled that the Flores Settlement Agreement, which dictates how long children can be held in immigration detention, could be interpreted to allow for expedited removal proceedings. This decision paved the way for the government to begin sending Guatemalan minors back to their home country.

However, legal advocates argue that the children face significant risks upon return to Guatemala, including potential dangers of violence, poverty, and lack of access to essential resources. They contend that the government has not adequately assessed the risks and has failed to provide sufficient due process protections to the minors.

The lawsuit, filed by several advocacy groups, sought to prevent the removals until the government could demonstrate that it had conducted individualized risk assessments for each child and that adequate safeguards were in place to ensure their safety and well-being upon return. The judge agreed with the plaintiffs, issuing a preliminary injunction that effectively halts the deportations.

“This is a critical victory for these vulnerable children,” said a spokesperson for one of the plaintiff organizations. “We believe that it is morally imperative to protect these children from harm and to ensure that they have the opportunity to pursue their asylum claims fairly.”

The Biden administration has expressed disappointment with the judge’s decision, stating that it is committed to complying with the Supreme Court’s ruling while also ensuring the safety and welfare of the children. The government is expected to appeal the injunction, setting the stage for a further legal battle.

The situation highlights the complex and often contentious legal landscape surrounding immigration policy and the rights of unaccompanied minors. The case is likely to have significant implications for the future of deportation proceedings involving these vulnerable populations.

What’s Next? The legal proceedings are ongoing. The government will likely appeal the judge's decision, and the case could ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court. In the meantime, the removals of Guatemalan minors will remain on hold. This situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the root causes of migration and provides a fair and humane process for those seeking refuge in the United States.

The incident involving children already on planes adds a layer of complexity. It is unclear how many children were already en route to Guatemala when the injunction was issued. Legal teams are working to identify and locate those children to ensure their safe return to U.S. custody.