Federal Judges Block Trump Administration's Deportation Plans for Guatemalan Children and Venezuelans

Judges Rule Against Trump Administration on Deporting Guatemalan Children and Venezuelans In a significant blow to the Trump administration's immigration policies, federal judges have ruled against deporting a group of Guatemalan children and slashing protections for many Venezuelans in the US. The decisions, handed down by Judge Timothy Kelly in Washington DC, come as part of ongoing legal challenges to the administration's handling of immigration cases. According to court documents, Judge Kelly ordered the administration to refrain from deporting 76 Guatemalan minors being held in US custody while a legal challenge plays out. This decision keeps in place an earlier judicial block on the policy, which was sharply criticized by the judge for its unproven assertion that the children's parents wanted them deported. "This is a significant victory for these children and their families," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center. "The administration's attempt to deport these minors without due process is unacceptable and we are grateful that the court has intervened." The Trump administration had attempted to deport the Guatemalan minors in a surprise move earlier this month, sparking widespread criticism from immigration advocates and lawmakers. In a separate ruling, Judge Kelly also blocked the administration's plan to slash protections for many Venezuelans in the US. The decision affects individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows them to remain in the country due to ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in Venezuela. "The court has made it clear that the administration cannot unilaterally strip these individuals of their rights," said Rachel Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality. "This is a major victory for the Venezuelan community and we will continue to fight for their protection." The Trump administration's immigration policies have been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent months, with many critics arguing that they prioritize enforcement over compassion and due process. Background: The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program was established by Congress in 1990 to provide humanitarian relief to individuals from countries affected by conflict or natural disasters. Venezuela has been designated for TPS since 2018, allowing an estimated 320,000 individuals to remain in the US. The administration's plan to slash protections for Venezuelans with TPS would have left them vulnerable to deportation and potentially separated from their families. Implications: The court decisions have significant implications for the Guatemalan children and Venezuelan community in the US. The rulings ensure that these individuals will not be deported without due process, but also highlight ongoing concerns about the administration's handling of immigration cases. As the legal challenges continue to play out, advocates are calling on lawmakers to pass comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes compassion and fairness. Current Status: The court decisions will remain in place pending further action by the Trump administration. Immigration advocates are continuing to push for permanent protections for Venezuelans with TPS and an end to the administration's aggressive deportation policies. Next Developments: The Trump administration is expected to appeal the court decisions, while lawmakers continue to debate comprehensive immigration reform. The National Immigration Law Center and other advocacy groups will continue to monitor the situation and push for policy changes that prioritize compassion and fairness. *Reporting by Theguardian.*