Guatemala Prepared to Receive Unaccompanied Minors from the U.S., President Says
Guatemala is prepared to accept around 150 unaccompanied children of various ages each week from the United States, the country’s president stated. This announcement came a day after a U.S. federal judge temporarily blocked the deportation of ten Guatemalan minors.
The children had already boarded a flight when a court responded to an emergency appeal on Sunday. They were later placed back under the supervision of the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
On Monday, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo told reporters that his government had been working with U.S. authorities to facilitate the return of unaccompanied minors.
“However, the decision to send them, along with the number and timing, depends on the U.S. government. As you can see, there is currently a legal issue being resolved,” he said.
Attorneys for the children, who are between 10 and 17 years old, argued in court documents that deporting them would disregard legal protections meant to safeguard vulnerable minors. They also warned that the children could face danger and mistreatment if forced to return to Guatemala.
A temporary order from District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan halting the deportations will remain in effect for 14 days while the case is reviewed. The ruling could affect hundreds of unaccompanied Guatemalan minors currently in U.S. custody after crossing the southern border.
U.S. authorities have pursued more aggressive deportation policies in recent months, but courts have ruled that some accelerated removal efforts infringe on due process rights.
The children entered the U.S. without parents or legal guardians, often to join family members already living there. Under U.S. law, they are entitled to additional protections while their asylum and immigration cases are processed.
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