Eight men were deported from the United States in May and held under guard for weeks at a U.S. military base in Djibouti. During this time, their legal challenges unfolded in court. Finally, they reached the Trump administration’s intended destination: South Sudan. This nation remains dangerous due to “crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict,” according to the State Department’s travel advisory.
These men come from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Vietnam, and South Sudan itself. They arrived in South Sudan on Friday after a federal judge cleared the way for their transfer. Their case had even reached the Supreme Court. The highest court allowed their removal from the U.S. Administration officials revealed the men had convictions for violent crimes in the United States.
“This was a win for the rule of law, safety, and security of the American people,” said Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. She made this statement on Saturday while announcing the men’s arrival. “South Sudan remains a chaotic country, on the verge of another civil war.”
The Supreme Court gave the green light on Thursday for the transfer. Initially, the men were put on a flight in May bound for South Sudan. However, the plane was diverted to a U.S. base in Djibouti. This detour happened after a federal judge ruled that the administration violated his order. The judge said the men deserved a chance to challenge their removal.
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority ruled in June that immigration officials could quickly deport people to third countries. They stopped an order that allowed immigrants to challenge removals to countries outside their home nations, especially if those countries posed danger.
On Independence Day, multiple court hearings took place. A judge temporarily paused the deportations while reviewing a final appeal from the men. Eventually, the judge said he could not stop the removals. He pointed to a Boston judge as the proper authority. This Boston judge had earlier halted the administration’s attempt to deport people to South Sudan.
By Friday evening, the Boston judge issued a short ruling. He stated the Supreme Court had tied his hands. The men all had final orders of removal, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE officials also confirmed agreements with other countries to host immigrants if quick returns to their homelands prove difficult.
The deportation to South Sudan has sparked concern because of the country’s instability. Despite the risks, the administration pushed forward with the transfer after exhausting legal avenues. This deportation to South Sudan marks a significant moment in U.S. immigration policy and judicial authority.
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