The US has deported eight individuals to South Sudan after a protracted legal struggle, during which their deportation was temporarily halted in Djibouti. These individuals, convicted of serious crimes including murder and sexual assault, had almost completed their prison sentences. Of the group, only one is originally from South Sudan, while the others hail from countries such as Myanmar, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, and Mexico. The US authorities reported difficulties in securing acceptance from their respective home countries.
Recent actions by the Trump administration reflect a broader strategy to deport individuals to third countries, a move previously seen with deportations to El Salvador and Costa Rica. Discussions have also emerged regarding potential deportation sites such as Rwanda and other African nations.
Photos from the Department of Homeland Security depicted the men shackled and surrounded by US military personnel on their flight. The fate awaiting these individuals in South Sudan remains uncertain, particularly given the country's ongoing instability and risks related to crime and armed conflict, as noted by the US State Department.
Initially, a district judge in Massachusetts impeded their deportation in May, ruling that individuals should be informed and allowed to engage with asylum officers before facing removal to third countries. However, last week, the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration, asserting that the lower court's requirement for due process hearings was overturned.
Following this decision, further attempts to halt the deportations were rejected by the judiciary, culminating in the current removal of the men. Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security characterized the developments as a triumph over "activist judges." Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had revoked visas for South Sudanese passport holders due to the nation’s past refusal to accept deportees.
Recent actions by the Trump administration reflect a broader strategy to deport individuals to third countries, a move previously seen with deportations to El Salvador and Costa Rica. Discussions have also emerged regarding potential deportation sites such as Rwanda and other African nations.
Photos from the Department of Homeland Security depicted the men shackled and surrounded by US military personnel on their flight. The fate awaiting these individuals in South Sudan remains uncertain, particularly given the country's ongoing instability and risks related to crime and armed conflict, as noted by the US State Department.
Initially, a district judge in Massachusetts impeded their deportation in May, ruling that individuals should be informed and allowed to engage with asylum officers before facing removal to third countries. However, last week, the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration, asserting that the lower court's requirement for due process hearings was overturned.
Following this decision, further attempts to halt the deportations were rejected by the judiciary, culminating in the current removal of the men. Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security characterized the developments as a triumph over "activist judges." Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had revoked visas for South Sudanese passport holders due to the nation’s past refusal to accept deportees.
