A recent court filing highlights serious concerns regarding the safety of nearly 12 ICE officials along with a group of migrants recently deported to South Sudan under the Trump administration. The submission points out the extreme heat, risks of malaria, and the threat of rocket attacks from Yemeni terrorist groups as critical dangers faced by both the migrants and ICE personnel.
This comes after US District Judge Brian Murphy ordered the Trump administration to hold a group of eight deported immigrants until they could undergo what he called a “rational fear interview,” allowing them to express their fears of persecution and potential torture if released.
However, the circumstances for both the migrants and ICE officials remain perilous. Harper, a senior immigration officer, noted that ICE personnel did not receive antimalarial medications prior to their travel to Djibouti, exposing them to unknown health risks in a conflict-ridden area. Recently, a state of emergency was declared in parts of South Sudan due to escalating conflict over resources.
Within US military bases, risks are still prevalent. According to Harper’s submission, the migrants are being housed in converted shipping containers at Djibouti’s only permanent US military base in Africa, where temperatures have exceeded 100 degrees since their arrival, leading to concerns of long-term detention in such harsh conditions.
The site features burning pits for trash and human waste, creating a “smog cloud” that hovers over the base, exposing everyone to harmful substances in scorching heat. Some ICE officers have even resorted to wearing N-95 masks for protection.
Shortly after their arrival, both officials and detainees reported feeling unwell, experiencing symptoms like coughing and joint pain. More immediate concerns exist as ICE officials were warned of a “real danger” from potential rocket attacks, but lacked suitable protective gear.
This recent filing could compel the Trump administration to consider relocating both the migrants and the ICE officials involved. Murphy had previously stated that the deported migrants in South Sudan should not necessarily be subject to detention. He criticized the government’s actions for inducing chaos and confusion, asserting that his orders were misrepresented.
Murphy emphasized that the government had the option to use foreign military bases for immigration processing, but it was not mandated. As it stands, there remains uncertainty about whether the administration has plans to move the individuals in question.
