Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Bid to Deport 76 Guatemalan Minors and Venezuelans

Judges Rule Against Trump Administration on Deporting Guatemalan Children and Venezuelans A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to deport 76 Guatemalan minors being held in US custody, dealing a significant blow to the executive branch's immigration policies. In a separate ruling, another judge has also protected Venezuelans with temporary protected status (TPS) from deportation. On Thursday, Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee based in Washington DC, kept in place an earlier judicial block on the policy, which aimed to deport Guatemalan unaccompanied immigrant children with active immigration cases. The administration had argued that the children's parents wanted them deported, but Judge Kelly sharply criticized this assertion as "unproven" and "unsupported by evidence." "This is a significant victory for these vulnerable children and their families," said Mary Bauer, legal director at the Southern Poverty Law Center, which has been challenging the policy. "The administration's attempt to deport these children without due process or regard for their well-being is unacceptable." According to court documents, the Trump administration had planned to deport the 76 Guatemalan minors as part of a broader effort to crack down on immigration. However, Judge Kelly's ruling has put this plan on hold while a legal challenge plays out. The decision comes at a time when the US government is facing increased scrutiny over its treatment of migrant children. In recent months, reports have emerged of overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in detention centers along the US-Mexico border. In another development, a federal judge has also blocked the Trump administration's attempt to slash protections for Venezuelans with TPS. The ruling affects an estimated 320,000 people who have been living in the US under this status since 2018. "The court's decision is a major victory for the Venezuelan community and a testament to the resilience of these individuals," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center. "We will continue to fight for their rights and dignity." The Trump administration has faced criticism from immigration advocates and lawmakers over its handling of migrant children and Venezuelans with TPS. The latest rulings are seen as a significant setback for the administration's immigration policies. Background: The US government has been grappling with the issue of migrant children at the border since 2018, when a surge in arrivals led to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in detention centers. In response, the Trump administration implemented a policy aimed at detaining families together, but this was met with widespread criticism from advocates and lawmakers. Additional Perspectives: Immigration experts say that the latest rulings are a significant blow to the Trump administration's immigration policies. "These decisions demonstrate that the courts are willing to hold the administration accountable for its actions," said David Leopold, a former head of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. However, some critics argue that the rulings do not go far enough in addressing the root causes of migration. "While these decisions are welcome, they do not address the underlying issues driving migration from Central America and Venezuela," said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies. Current Status: The Trump administration has vowed to appeal both decisions, but it remains unclear what impact this will have on the policy. In the meantime, the 76 Guatemalan minors remain in US custody, awaiting a resolution to their cases. As the debate over immigration continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the courts are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the country's immigration policies. *Reporting by Theguardian.*