Elian Gonzalez Case: Miami Relatives File Motion for Court- Appointed Guardian; 6-year-Old to be Joined by Cuban Guests at Wye River Plantation
FRANK SESNO, CNN ANCHOR: And to the Elian Gonzalez case now: The boy's teacher, cousin and a pediatrician from Cuba are expected to come to the United States today to visit Elian and his immediate family. But the uproar over the government raid which removed him from Miami has not subsided. Protesters showed up at the Justice Department this morning wearing black and carrying the photo of the boy being taken by an armed federal agent. Republicans in Congress say they will hold hearings as early as next week on the government's use of force. CNN Justice correspondent Pierre Thomas joins us now with more on that -- Pierre.</s>PIERRE THOMAS, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Frank, the legal debate over Elian Gonzalez continues. Yesterday, a motion was filed in the 11th Circuit Court in Atlanta in which the attorneys for the Miami relatives asked for a number of things. They want Cuban officials blocked from being able to see the boy. They also want Cuban doctors and psychiatrists to be blocked from seeing the boy as well. Also, they want a guardian appointed to look out for the boy's interest. So this case is only having more and more legal twists and turns.</s>SESNO: Let's talk some more about the legal guardian, especially as, as we mentioned, the Miami relatives remain here in Washington. They are trying to make their case as they make the rounds. They're trying to see the boy. So far, unsuccessful. There you see the great-uncle, Lazaro Gonzalez. The guardianship: Talk some more about that.</s>THOMAS: The guardianship issue could be critical for the following reason: The government has maintained that only the father can speak for the boy. If the court were to appoint a guardian, some would argue that perhaps the guardian would have the legal right to speak for the boy. So that will become critical. We expect the Justice Department sometime after 4:00 p.m. this afternoon to respond to these latest demands by the Miami relatives' attorneys.</s>SESNO: Pierre Thomas, thanks. Elian and his father, his stepmother and his half-brother will wait out the legal process at a remote but historic location in rural Maryland, about an hour's drive from Washington. And CNN's Kate Snow joins us now with more on what the family is doing -- Kate.</s>KATE SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Frank, a pastoral setting for their new home here. They're located about two farms behind me over my shoulder, under tight security back there. Elian Gonzalez and his family staying at what's known as the Carmichael Farm. It's on the property of the Wye River Plantation; that being a campus that's used frequently for conventions for conferences. It was famously used for Middle East talks in 1998. In fact, the farm where they're staying the same farm where the King of Jordan stayed at that time. We're told there's plenty of space here for visitors. And, indeed, they may be getting some visitors. This morning, a group of Cubans -- three of them -- Elian's pediatrician, his former teacher, and also a cousin -- flew to Mexico. They are passing through there en route to Washington, D.C. We understand they're expected here in the area this evening. A new photo also released today by the Associated Press showing Elian Gonzalez with his little half-brother Hianny (ph). That photo taken, though, on Saturday. And interesting to note that we have not seen any recent photos of Elian Gonzalez; not for the last several days. And we're certainly not being allowed very close to this farm where they're staying. Kate Snow, CNN, live in Maryland.</s>SESNO: And, Kate, before you go, if I may, you point out we're not being allowed very close to that farm. There is some discussion and dispute, really, over the access and the information surrounding the family.</s>SNOW: There is, and the media being briefed by the U.S. Marshals Service, trying to get closer access. In fact, our producer talking to them now about getting a camera a little bit closer. As I say, we're a good distance away, probably about a mile away right now. But, again, they're trying to protect the privacy of the family, the lawyer for the -- the attorney for Juan Miguel Gonzalez saying all along that they need a private setting.</s>SESNO: All right, Kate Snow, thanks.