In a controversial move, the U.S. government has deported eight men to South Sudan following a complicated legal battle that saw their journey diverted to Djibouti for several weeks. The individuals, who have been convicted of crimes such as murder, sexual assault, and robbery, were either nearing the end of their prison sentences or had already completed them. While only one of the eight is originally from South Sudan, the rest come from Myanmar, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, and Mexico. Their deportation faced numerous hurdles, particularly since their home countries largely denied responsibility for their return.
Notably, images released by the Department of Homeland Security depict the men shackled and escorted by U.S. service members aboard the deportation flight. Officials did not provide clarification on whether the South Sudanese government has detained the deportees or what awaits them, especially considering South Sudan's ongoing instability and the U.S. State Department's repeated travel warnings due to rampant crime and conflict.
Initially scheduled to leave the U.S. in May, the men's departure was halted when a U.S. District Judge, Brian Murphy, ruled against their deportation, asserting they should have the right to be notified and speak with an asylum officer before removal. However, this decision was overturned by the Supreme Court, which sided with the Trump administration, leading to the expedited deportations.
Legal representatives attempted to seek further intervention but were met with setbacks. Judge Murphy ultimately stated he could not prevent deportations following the Supreme Court's decision. Tricia McLaughlin, a representative from the Department of Homeland Security, labeled the successful deportation a triumph over “activist judges.” Earlier in the year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio rescinded all visas for South Sudanese passport holders, citing the nation's history of rejecting deported individuals, adding further complexity to the situation.
