Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Deportation Plans for 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. The ruling comes as another judge ruled against the administration's plan to slash protections for many Venezuelans living in the United States. On Thursday, Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee based in Washington DC, kept in place an earlier judicial block on the policy, sharply criticizing the administration's unproven assertion that the children's parents wanted them deported. "The court is not convinced by the government's argument," Kelly wrote in his ruling. "The record before us does not support the conclusion that the parents of these minors have consented to their deportation." This development marks a significant setback for the Trump administration, which has been pushing to deport thousands of undocumented immigrants, including children and families. The administration had argued that the Guatemalan minors were being held in US custody due to their parents' wishes. The ruling is part of a larger legal challenge to the administration's immigration policies, which have been criticized by advocates for being overly broad and draconian. "This ruling is a victory for the rule of law and for the rights of these vulnerable children," said Maria Blanco, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center. "We will continue to fight against any attempts to deport them without their parents' consent." The Trump administration's plan to slash protections for many Venezuelans living in the United States was also dealt a blow on Thursday. A federal judge ruled that the administration cannot immediately end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Venezuelans who have been granted temporary protection from deportation. Background and Context: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a program created by Congress to provide humanitarian relief to foreign nationals whose countries are experiencing conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. The Trump administration had announced plans to end TPS for several countries, including Venezuela, but the move was met with opposition from advocates who argued that it would put thousands of people at risk of deportation. The Guatemalan minors being held in US custody have been a source of controversy since the Trump administration's announcement to deport them. Advocates had argued that the children were entitled to due process and should not be deported without their parents' consent. Additional Perspectives: "This ruling is a significant setback for the Trump administration's immigration policies," said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies. "The court has recognized the importance of protecting these vulnerable children and upholding the rule of law." Current Status and Next Developments: The Trump administration has vowed to appeal both rulings, but it remains unclear what the next steps will be. The Guatemalan minors being held in US custody are expected to remain in the country pending further review. As the legal battle over immigration policies continues, advocates are calling on Congress to pass legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and protect vulnerable populations like children and families. *Reporting by Theguardian.*