A fresh immigration fight is stirring up frustration among conservatives this week.
On August 31, Guatemala’s largest newspaper, Prensa Libre, reported that President Bernardo Arévalo asked the United States to repatriate Guatemalan children who crossed the border illegally but still have parents back home.
The Trump administration negotiated a deal earlier this year with Guatemala to do just that. It was supposed to fix the problem of kids being stranded in America without family ties.
But just as the flights were set to depart, a federal judge slammed the brakes.
It’s actually much worse than even that. These smuggled migrant children were orphaned in America by the Biden Administration. The minors have all self-reported that their parents are back home in Guatemala. But a Democrat judge is refusing to let them reunify with their parents. https://t.co/o3h6e0YsMC
— Stephen Miller (@StephenM) August 31, 2025
The Judge’s Ruling
Judge Sparkle Sooknanan, a Biden appointee sworn in less than six months ago, issued a temporary restraining order halting deportations. According to BBC News (Sept. 1), the order lasts at least 14 days while the case is argued.
Advocacy groups like the National Immigration Law Center claim sending the children home violates U.S. law because of “credible fears” they could face abuse.
They argue the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2008 requires the U.S. to shield minors from possible harm.
But critics on the right see something else: judicial activism standing in the way of lawful deportations.
Conservatives Push Back
Stephen Miller, a top immigration advisor to President Trump, blasted the ruling on X. He wrote that these kids were “orphaned in America by the Biden Administration”, and now “a Democrat judge is refusing to let them reunify with their parents.”
Others echoed his concern. Commentators like Libs of TikTok and Elon Musk accused Democrats of trying to create future voters by blocking repatriation.
To conservatives, this isn’t just about one group of children. It’s about whether elected leaders or unelected judges will control America’s border.
Biden’s Legacy of Confusion
This fight didn’t start last week. Under Biden, immigration enforcement was unquestionably chaotic.
While the White House touts its family reunification programs, BBC reported in April 2024 that more than 1,400 children were still separated from parents because of shifting policies.
Deportations hit 271,000 in 2024, but critics say that’s far too little given the scale of illegal crossings. Many argue Biden’s early moves – halting the border wall, loosening enforcement – created today’s mess.
Now, with Trump back in office and the Supreme Court clearing the way for mass deportations in June, conservatives see Judge Sooknanan’s ruling as an attempt to undercut lawful authority.
Border Chaos Hits Home in Nevada
You might wonder what this has to do with Nevada. The truth is, our state feels the strain of federal border policies every day.
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Schools: Clark County School District already struggles with overcrowding. New waves of migrant children, often needing extra language support, add to the load.
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Healthcare: Nevada hospitals, especially in Las Vegas and Reno, absorb the cost of treating patients regardless of legal status. Taxpayers foot the bill.
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Jobs: Working-class Nevadans, especially in construction and hospitality, often compete directly with illegal labor, driving down wages.
When Washington fumbles immigration, Nevada families pay the price.
Advocacy Groups Push Back
To be fair, immigration advocates say these kids are vulnerable. They argue that sending them back could put them in danger of trafficking or abuse.
Groups like NILC insist America has a moral duty to protect children until their cases are fully reviewed.
But conservatives counter that the Guatemalan president himself is asking for their return, showing this is about family reunification, not abandonment.
Judges vs. Elected Leaders: The Power Struggle at the Border
At the end of the day, this case highlights a core debate: who decides America’s immigration policy – elected leaders or activist judges?
Nevadans know the answer. Out here, where we already fight federal overreach on land, water, and energy, the last thing we need is another unelected official tying the hands of our government.
This fight is far from over. But one thing is clear: if we want secure borders, working courts, and a government that respects both sovereignty and common sense, it’s going to take constant pressure.
Nevada, like the rest of the country, has too much at stake to stay silent.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
