Archive · 4 Sep 2025
Guatemalan Report Challenges U.S. Claims on Child Deportations
The U.S. government wanted to send back some kids from Guatemala who came to the U.S. without their parents.
But a report from the Guatemalan government said that many of the kids' families didn't want them to come back.
Some families were angry or scared.
The U.S. had originally planned to send back older kids, but then wanted to send back much younger ones.
A court stopped the deportations for now, after the children's lawyers said they shouldn't be sent back.
The families were surprised and worried, with some afraid for their children's safety.
Many of the children had left Guatemala for a better life.
A Guatemalan report contradicted U.S. assertions about unaccompanied migrant children deportations.
The Guatemalan government contacted families of 115 minors, with 59 expressing opposition to their children's return.
The U.S. initially planned to return older minors but broadened the scope to include children as young as 10.
A court blocked deportations until September 14 following legal challenges.
Some families reported concerns for their children's safety if returned to Guatemala.
- Who
- Unaccompanied Guatemalan migrant children and their families, the U.S. and Guatemalan governments
- What
- A Guatemalan government report contradicted U.S. claims about the deportation of unaccompanied migrant children, revealing many families did not want their children returned.
- When
- The Trump administration attempted to deport children over a weekend. Court filings were published on Wednesday. The deportations were blocked until September 14.
- Where
- U.S.-Mexico border, Guatemalan shelters, Texas shelters, Guatemala
- Why
- The U.S. government wanted to deport unaccompanied migrant children as part of an immigration crackdown, while the Guatemalan government report showed that many families did not want their children returned.
Families & Child Advocates
Trump Administration
Child Deportation
Families & Child Advocates
Families and lawyers for the children opposed the deportations, arguing the children were seeking to remain in the U.S.
Trump Administration
The Trump administration was attempting to deport unaccompanied children, with a White House official claiming the children were being reunited with their parents.
- Report Source
- Guatemalan Attorney General's Office
- Families Contacted
- 115 of 609
- Families Opposed Return
- 59
- Children's Ages
- 10-17
- Court Decision
- Deportations blocked until Sept. 14