On Tuesday, immigration lawyers claimed that the Trump administration disregarded a court order by deporting a group of immigrants, not from regions experiencing war, to South Sudan.
U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, appointed by President Biden and based in Boston, had previously mandated that the administration notify immigrants before relocating them to countries with which they have no ties.
In a recent submission, the lawyers noted that when the group of immigrants arrived in South Sudan, they accused Murphy of breaching the injunction and requested that he facilitate their return to the U.S.
“As the Supreme Court has recently acknowledged, under these conditions, returns are not just reasonable—they’re necessary,” the immigration lawyer indicated, referencing the situation of Kilmer Abrego Garcia, who was wrongly deported to El Salvador.
Oka reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for their comments on this issue.
Judge Murphy’s injunction from last month requires the administration to give non-citizens and their legal representatives written notifications in a comprehensible language prior to removal to third countries. Additionally, immigrants should have a “meaningful opportunity” to present claims that they might face persecution or torture upon deportation, as per Murphy’s ruling.
South Sudan became the world’s newest country in 2011 but quickly descended into civil war. Recently, a peace deal has disintegrated.
The latest filing specifies the initials of the Burmese and Vietnamese nationals involved, along with details of two migrants who were omitted. However, the lawyer asserted that there were at least ten migrants on the flight who were “highly likely” to fall into this category, referencing an email from a Vietnamese national.
“They can’t allow this to keep happening. This isn’t the first instance, and it surely won’t be the last if they’re permitted to continue!” was a sentiment expressed in a Tuesday email.
This legal team comprises members from the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, the Northwest Immigration Rights Project, and Human Rights groups.
This development follows shortly after a judge cautioned the Trump administration regarding another group of immigrants who faced plans for deportation to Libya, deeming it a violation of his orders.
Murphy is also expected to hold a hearing on Wednesday to determine whether there should be a directive to facilitate the return of Guatemalan men who were deported to Mexico despite claiming fears of persecution.
Previously, the administration indicated to the Justice Department that one of the men did not fear returning to Mexico. Acknowledgment of an error was made on Friday.
