Immigration attorneys in the United States have accused the Trump administration of deporting a group of migrants to South Sudan, even though the individuals were not from that country. The deportation may have violated a court order, leading to legal action demanding their return.
The migrants, reportedly from Vietnam and Burma (Myanmar), were recently flown to South Sudan, a nation currently facing severe civil conflict. Lawyers are now urging a judge to order the U.S. government to bring them back.
What Does the Court Order Say?
U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, a federal judge in Boston, had earlier issued a ruling that set clear conditions for deporting migrants to a third country (one that is not their home country).
According to the judge’s order:
- Migrants must be given written notice in a language they understand
- They must be given a fair chance to express fears of persecution or torture in the country they’re being sent to
- The notice must also be given to their legal representatives
This order was issued to protect migrants from being sent to countries where they have no connections or face serious danger.
What Happened in This Case?
In a court filing on Tuesday, immigration lawyers claimed that a group of migrants were put on a plane to South Sudan—a country that is not their origin—without proper notice and in violation of the court’s ruling.
The lawyers said that at least two individuals, one from Burma and one from Vietnam, were wrongly deported. They also believe there were at least 10 more people on that same flight.
One migrant’s wife sent an emotional email to her husband’s lawyer, saying:
“They cannot be allowed to do this. This is not the first and won’t be the last if they keep getting away with it. I am begging for your assistance.”
The legal filing calls on Judge Murphy to order the U.S. government to bring them back immediately, referencing a recent Supreme Court case where another migrant, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
Why Is South Sudan Considered Dangerous?
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, is the world’s youngest nation. Unfortunately, it has seen frequent violence and instability, including a civil war that erupted soon after its independence.
Lawyers argue that the country is once again on the verge of full-scale civil war, making it extremely dangerous for anyone sent there, especially if they have no ties or family support in the region.
Who Filed the Case?
The legal filing was submitted by:
- National Immigration Litigation Alliance
- Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
- Human Rights First
These groups focus on protecting the rights of immigrants and ensuring fair treatment under U.S. law.
What Happens Next?
Judge Murphy is expected to hold a hearing on Wednesday related to this case. He will also look into a separate incident involving a man from Guatemala who was wrongly deported to Mexico, despite stating that he feared persecution there.
While the Trump administration claimed the man had not expressed fear, the U.S. Justice Department later admitted that this was a mistake.