by Immigration attorneys have filed an emergency motion in federal court, claiming the U.S. government unlawfully deported Asian migrants to South Sudan—an African country engulfed in conflict.
The alleged deportations may violate a standing court order that bans removals to third countries without proper legal procedures.
What Happened
Lawyers reported to a Massachusetts federal judge on Tuesday that two migrants from Myanmar and Vietnam may have been deported to South Sudan.
This deportation, if confirmed, would directly contradict a ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy that prohibits the government from deporting migrants to third countries without due process.
Key Details
- The migrants were allegedly flown out of a detention center in Los Fresnos, Texas.
- Attorneys representing the individuals received conflicting information about their destinations, with some initially told the migrants were headed to South Africa.
- Subsequent emails suggested the final destination was South Sudan.
- One attorney received confirmation that her client had already been deported.
- A woman also claimed her husband, a Vietnamese migrant, was deported to South Sudan from the same facility.
Reactions or Statements
Lawyers emphasized the danger migrants face in South Sudan, citing:
- Ongoing armed conflict
- Widespread human rights violations
- A U.S. State Department Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory
The emergency court motion asked Judge Murphy to halt such deportations and order the return of anyone already sent to South Sudan.
Government officials have not publicly confirmed deportations to South Sudan. The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment.
Investigation or What’s Next
Late Tuesday, Judge Murphy ordered the Trump administration to maintain “custody and control” over the affected individuals to ensure they can be returned if the deportation is ruled unlawful.
He also ordered government lawyers to provide detailed information—including migrant names and due process steps taken—at a hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
FAQs
Q: Why is deportation to South Sudan controversial?
A: South Sudan is highly unstable due to conflict, making it unsafe for migrants. The U.S. advises against all travel there.
Q: Who issued the original court ban on third-country deportations?
A: U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy issued the ruling in April 2025.
Q: What are third-country deportations?
A: This is when migrants are sent to a country that is not their home country and not the United States.
Q: Has the U.S. previously attempted third-country deportations?
A: Yes. Migrants have reportedly been deported to Costa Rica, Panama, and Venezuela. A planned flight to Libya was canceled.
Q: What could happen next legally?
A: If the court finds the deportations illegal, the government may be ordered to bring the migrants back to the U.S.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The alleged deportation of Asian migrants to war-torn South Sudan has triggered legal backlash and judicial scrutiny. With hearings underway and federal rulings in question, the case could have lasting implications for U.S.
immigration enforcement and international deportation practices.
