Jerry Jackson A U.S. district judge has ruled that the Biden administration breached a court order by deporting migrants to third countries without proper legal procedures. The ruling followed sudden deportations, including to South Sudan, which occurred despite clear legal requirements for due process before removal.
Sudden Deportations Raise Legal Concerns
Eight migrants were deported with less than 24 hours’ notice, according to attorneys. Only one of the deported individuals was South Sudanese; others came from Myanmar, Laos, Cuba, and Mexico. Immigration lawyer Jonathan Ryan described the situation as unprecedented. “This is life-or-death with barely any legal process,” he said, referring to his Burmese client, who was informed of multiple last-minute destination changes within hours.
Officials Remain Silent on Final Destinations
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed a deportation flight but refused to disclose its final landing location. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin labeled the deportees as dangerous criminals and criticized the judge’s ruling as a threat to national security. Flight records suggested a stop in Djibouti. However, South Sudanese authorities denied receiving any migrants and said that any arrivals would be screened and sent to their countries of origin if needed.
Judge Highlights Repeated Government Violations
Judge Brian E. Murphy, who oversees the case, previously barred the government from deporting migrants to third countries without due notice and legal rights. The recent deportations appear to defy this order. In a related case involving a Guatemalan migrant, government lawyers gave contradictory statements about informing the individual of his destination. “It’s serious to mislead the court under oath,” Judge Murphy emphasized during the hearing.
Deportees Face Serious Risks
Many deported migrants belong to vulnerable groups. A Burmese man from a persecuted minority faces potential torture or death if sent back to Myanmar or South Sudan. Immigration advocates warn that such deportations violate legal safeguards and place lives at grave risk. Both Myanmar and South Sudan remain volatile, with ongoing conflicts and human rights abuses.