Federal judge blocks deportation of Guatemalan children from Texas

Guatemalan children narrowly avoided deportation Sunday after a federal judge temporarily blocked their removal from the United States.

(NBC)- Guatemalan children narrowly avoided deportation Sunday after a federal judge temporarily blocked their removal from the United States, halting a late-night operation by the Trump administration.

The children, who were seen deplaning on a Texas tarmac, had been placed on planes and buses bound for Guatemala when U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan issued an emergency order stopping their deportations for at least 14 days while the case proceeds.

Lawyers representing the minors said many of them were awakened overnight and quickly transported to airports, with one plane even taking off before being ordered to turn back. Attorneys argue the children — because of their age — are entitled to special due process protections. Court filings also note that many of the children fear persecution and torture if forced to return to Guatemala.

“This administration repeatedly engages in an effort to disregard people’s constitutional rights and undermine the rule of law,” said Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center.

The Justice Department defended the deportation efforts. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign said at a hearing that the government believes the removals are lawful and that the children would be reunited with family in Guatemala.

The case echoes earlier incidents this year in which migrants were deported despite standing court orders, including a group of Salvadorans and a bus of Venezuelan nationals redirected at the last minute following judicial intervention.