Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan.

A federal judge has blocked the U.S. government from deporting unaccompanied Guatemalan children, some of whom had already been placed on planes for repatriation.

Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan issued the emergency order early Sunday after learning the removals were happening overnight on a holiday weekend. She said she was “surprised” by the government’s attempt to deport children in the middle of the night and demanded clarity on their status.

The Justice Department claimed the children’s parents had requested their return, but Sooknanan ordered proof by Friday. Attorneys for the minors insist the claim is false, warning that the children face serious risks if returned to Guatemala.

At least one flight carrying children from Texas was turned back following the ruling. The judge barred removals for two weeks, covering all Guatemalan minors in U.S. custody who fall under the class action.

The Biden administration now faces a legal battle over whether the Trump-era plan to repatriate hundreds of unaccompanied minors violates U.S. protections guaranteeing due process for migrant children.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller criticized the ruling, accusing the judge of “kidnapping” children by preventing their return.

The plaintiffs include 10 Guatemalan minors, aged 10 to 17, many still in immigration proceedings. Lawyers say the children, some of whom suffered abuse in their home country, were terrified after being woken up and told to prepare for deportation in the early hours of Sunday morning.