Judge: U.S. Officials Must Keep Control Of Migrants Sent To South Sudan In Case Removals Were Unlawful

In a recent ruling, a federal judge in Massachusetts has ordered U.S. officials to maintain custody of migrants who were possibly deported to South Sudan, in case their removals are deemed unlawful. The decision came after attorneys for the immigrants claimed that the Trump administration had started deporting individuals from Myanmar and Vietnam to South Sudan, despite a court order prohibiting such removals to other countries. The judge, Brian E. Murphy, emphasized the need for the government to ensure the well-being of the migrants being removed and to be ready for their potential return if the deportations are found to be illegal.

While specific arrangements were left to the discretion of the government, Judge Murphy stressed the importance of humane treatment for the migrants. Concerns were raised by the migrants’ attorneys that several individuals from different countries were sent to Africa, violating the court order that mandates a fair opportunity for individuals to argue against being sent to a country where their safety could be at risk.

The ruling highlighted a case where a man from Myanmar was deported to South Sudan without proper notification and with limited understanding of the situation due to language barriers. The judge demanded that U.S. officials provide details on the impacted migrants, their removal process, and the current whereabouts of those already deported to third countries.

The Department of Homeland Security and the White House have yet to comment on the matter. The Trump administration’s practice of deporting individuals to countries that do not accept deportations from the U.S. has raised concerns, with agreements being made with other nations to accommodate them. South Sudan, which has faced ongoing violence since gaining independence, was highlighted as a destination for deportees, despite its unstable conditions.

The U.S. State Department’s report on South Sudan has pointed out significant human rights issues in the country, including violence and inhumane treatment by security forces. Temporary Protected Status has been granted to some South Sudanese individuals in the U.S. due to unsafe conditions in their home country, with recent extensions to ensure their safety.