Trump Administration Holds More Than 600 Guatemalan Children in Federal Custody

Washington, D.C. — The administration of President Donald Trump has confirmed that more than 600 children of Guatemalan origin are currently being held in the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

These minors, most of whom were separated from their families at the southern border, are part of the growing number of migrant children facing long periods of detention while their immigration cases are resolved. Human rights organizations have denounced this situation as a significant risk to the physical and emotional health of the children, many of whom have experienced trauma during their journey to the United States.

Various entities, both national and international, have called on the U.S. government to take immediate measures to ensure family reunification and the protection of the fundamental rights of minors. Meanwhile, HHS maintains that the children are provided with shelter, food, and basic medical care, though community advocates warn that overcrowding and lack of access to specialized services remain a serious concern.

The case of these more than 600 Guatemalan children highlights the humanitarian dimension of the current U.S. immigration policy and has sparked debate over the government’s responsibility in safeguarding the rights of migrant children.