Guatemala Prepares for Deportation of Unaccompanied Minors

Guatemala is set to receive approximately 150 unaccompanied minors each week from the United States, despite a recent court order halting the deportation of ten Guatemalan children. President Bernardo Arevalo announced this plan on September 1, 2023, following a ruling by a US judge that temporarily suspended the deportation process.

The ten minors, who were already en route to Guatemala, were returned to shelters operated by the US Office of Refugee Resettlement after an emergency appeal was filed. This legal intervention came from the Biden administration, which has been navigating complex immigration issues since taking office. Arevalo emphasized that his government has been actively coordinating with the US on the logistics of receiving these children, stating, “But the decision to send them, the number, and the pace is one that rests with the American government, and as you can see, there’s currently a legal dispute.”

The order issued by District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan is effective for 14 days and could potentially impact hundreds of Guatemalan minors currently in US custody. Lawyers representing these children, aged between 10 and 17, argue that deportation would violate their rights under US law and expose them to risks of abuse upon their return. Many of these children arrived at the US border without parents or guardians, often seeking to reunite with family members already in the country.

Under US law, unaccompanied minors are entitled to heightened protections while their asylum or immigration claims are being processed. This legal framework aims to safeguard vulnerable children from potential harm and ensure they receive appropriate support during their transition.

The situation has garnered significant attention, particularly as former President Donald Trump has pledged to increase deportations, asserting a stricter immigration policy. Critics of these policies argue that the accelerated removals may infringe on constitutional rights, raising concerns about due process for those affected.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the fate of these children remains uncertain. The Guatemalan government, while prepared to accept the minors, must wait for the US government to finalize its decisions regarding deportation and the pace at which it will occur. The implications of these developments extend beyond the borders of both nations, highlighting the ongoing complexities of immigration policy and the protection of vulnerable populations.

This evolving situation emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform that protects the rights and well-being of unaccompanied minors.