Federal Judge Halts Deportation of Guatemalan and Honduran Minors in Arizona

Tue Oct 21 2025 03:27:17 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A temporary restraining order by a federal judge prevents the Trump administration from deporting unaccompanied minors from Guatemala and Honduras as concerns grow over their safety and legal rights. The case raises serious questions about the government's custody arrangements.

U.S. District Judge Rosemary Márquez has issued a temporary restraining order blocking deportations of Guatemalan and Honduran children in U.S. custody. The children, some as young as three, have expressed fear of returning home due to concerns over neglect and potential trafficking. Legal representatives argue that their rights to legal counsel and due process are being denied. The judge questioned whether appropriate custody arrangements were in place with the children's families back home.

A federal judge in Arizona has blocked the deportation of dozens of unaccompanied minors from Guatemala and Honduras who are currently in U.S. shelters or foster care. U.S. District Judge Rosemary Márquez issued this temporary restraining order, extending it until at least September 26. Concerns have been raised regarding the government's oversight in arranging custody for these children upon their return.

During the court proceedings, legal representatives emphasized the children's reluctance to return home, voicing fears over potential neglect and trafficking risks. Many of the minors, aged 3 to 17, have been represented by the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project and shared fears about returning to their native countries.

In response to the concerns raised, the judge highlighted the importance of ensuring proper custody arrangements and adherence to legal protections for migrant children. Márquez noted that U.S. officials had failed to adequately notify legal counsel about deportation preparations, sometimes with little notice and at late hours.

The lawsuit has garnered attention from other advocacy groups, prompting similar legal actions in Illinois and Washington, D.C., seeking to prevent the deportation of affected minors. The judge's ruling reflects an increasing sensitivity toward the complexities of immigration law as it pertains to minors. The case highlights ongoing debates over the balance between efficient repatriation and the protection of vulnerable children in the immigration system.

In court, Denise Ann Faulk, an assistant U.S. attorney, argued that repatriations are being conducted with the best interests of the children in mind. However, many advocates continue to push for a more humane approach that prioritizes legal rights and the careful assessment of each child's situation.