Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Deportation Plans for Guatemalan Children and Venezuelans

Judges Rule Against Trump Administration on Deporting Guatemalan Children and Venezuelans A federal judge has dealt a double blow to the Trump administration's immigration policies, blocking the deportation of Guatemalan children with active immigration cases and protecting temporary protected status (TPS) for many Venezuelans in the US. On Thursday, Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee based in Washington DC, upheld an earlier judicial block on the policy, criticizing the administration's "unproven assertion" that the children's parents wanted them deported. The ruling comes as the administration attempted to deport 76 Guatemalan minors being held in US custody. "This decision is a significant victory for these vulnerable children and their families," said Maria Woltjen, executive director of the Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights. "The court has recognized that these children have a right to due process and should not be deported without proper consideration." According to court documents, the administration argued that deporting the Guatemalan minors would help reunite them with their families. However, Judge Kelly rejected this claim, stating that the administration had failed to provide sufficient evidence. The ruling also affects Venezuelans in the US who have been granted TPS due to ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in their home country. The Trump administration had sought to terminate TPS for Venezuela, but a separate federal judge blocked the move last month. "This decision is a testament to the resilience of the Venezuelan community in the US," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the Venezuelan-American Community Center. "We will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of our people." The Trump administration's immigration policies have been met with widespread criticism from human rights groups and lawmakers. The latest rulings highlight ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary on issues related to immigration. Background: In recent years, the US has seen a significant increase in unaccompanied minors arriving at the border, many of whom are from Guatemala. The Trump administration has implemented various policies aimed at deterring migration, including the "Remain in Mexico" program, which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for their court hearings. Additional Perspectives: Immigration experts say that the latest rulings demonstrate a growing trend towards judicial oversight on immigration policy. "The courts are increasingly recognizing the importance of due process and human rights in immigration cases," said Stephen Yale-Loehr, professor of immigration law at Cornell Law School. "This is a welcome development, as it ensures that vulnerable populations are protected from arbitrary and unjust treatment." Current Status: The Trump administration has vowed to appeal both rulings. However, the latest decisions have significant implications for the thousands of Guatemalan children and Venezuelans in the US. As one immigration advocate noted, "These rulings are a reminder that the judiciary is committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations." The case is ongoing, with further developments expected in the coming weeks. *Reporting by Theguardian.*