An immigrant advocacy group is urging federal judges to prevent the Trump administration from deporting individuals to Libya and Saudi Arabia.
Two plaintiffs report that immigration agents informed them of imminent removal to these destinations, despite existing court orders meant to protect them from deportation.
This filing coincides with reports indicating that the Trump administration is considering sending immigrants to Libya, notwithstanding longstanding warnings from the State Department regarding the country’s conditions.
The lawsuit stems from a prior ruling that prohibited the deportation of immigrants originally detained in Massachusetts.
“Given that members of this group potentially face removal to Libya in a matter of minutes or hours, the plaintiffs are requesting the court to intervene. They ask for immediate protection against removal until compliance with prior court orders is confirmed,” the filing mentioned.
This submission suggests plans for the deportation of immigrants not only from Libya but also from countries like Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
“Reports from credible sources indicate that flights are preparing to depart, targeting members for removal to Libya,” it stated.
A lawyer noted that his Filipino client has been informed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of his scheduled removal to Libya.
Additionally, class representatives have received indications that there may be plans for deportations to Saudi Arabia. At least one detainee from Laos has reported being verbally notified of an impending military flight to that country.
The plaintiffs argue that even with the Trump administration’s appeals, there needs to be an opportunity for them to seek protection under the UN treaty against torture, aiming for a favorable outcome in court.
“This action disregards the court’s injunction and seeks to remove class members without adequate notice,” the plaintiffs’ lawyer asserted.
The Trump administration has yet to comment on the deportation plans to Libya. President Trump suggested that inquiries should be directed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
DHS has not responded to several requests for comments on the situation.
Next week, Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The State Department has classified Libya with a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning, highlighting severe issues in immigration detention facilities there, such as overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and lack of basic necessities.
The report emphasized that detainees in Libya struggle to access legal proceedings or immigration courts.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for its handling of Venezuelan immigrants, including their transfer to notorious prisons in El Salvador, and for sending individuals from Iran and China to Panama, where they were initially accommodated in a hotel.
Officials from Rwanda have also indicated ongoing discussions with the Trump administration about accepting deportees.
