Overview

• U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly on Thursday paused removals of some Guatemalan children in federal custody while the court assesses a challenge to the plan.
• The lawsuit argues that minors who lack final removal orders or attorney general–approved voluntary departure must be allowed full immigration proceedings under federal law, and the judge found irreparable harm without relief.
• Kelly criticized the government’s holiday‑weekend, overnight actions and questioned whether officials were confident in their legal authority to proceed with the planned flights.
• The National Immigration Law Center filed the case on behalf of 10 children ages 10 to 17, citing sworn statements describing fear, prior abuse, and distress when youths were taken from their beds for transport.
• The decision follows an earlier emergency block of August 31 flights for Guatemalan children that expired on September 15, and members of Congress have requested documents on the administration’s plan.