AP Trump administration鈥檚 deportations of illegal migrants to third countries
The US Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling allowing the Trump administration to resume deporting migrants to countries other than their own, a move that marks a significant victory for the administration鈥檚 aggressive immigration policies. The decision, taken on June 23, 2025, temporarily blocks a lower court injunction that required the government to provide migrants with advance notice and an opportunity to challenge deportations to so-called 鈥渢hird countries鈥 where they might face risks such as torture or persecution.Three liberal justices – Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson – dissented strongly, warning that the ruling puts vulnerable migrants at risk of violence and torture. Justice Sotomayor wrote:鈥淚n cases involving life and death, exercising caution is paramount. This Court鈥檚 order exemplifies a blatant misuse of equitable authority.鈥滾ower court rulingThe controversy centers on the Trump administration鈥檚 policy of deporting migrants – many with criminal convictions – to countries where they do not hold citizenship. This policy was challenged in a class-action lawsuit filed by immigrant advocacy groups on behalf of migrants facing removal without adequate legal protections.In April, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy of Massachusetts issued an injunction requiring the government to give migrants at least 15 days鈥 notice and a meaningful chance to contest deportation orders to third countries, citing concerns about the migrants鈥 safety. Murphy highlighted countries like South Sudan, where the US State Department warns of extreme violence, kidnapping, and armed conflict.Live EventsThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had accelerated deportations to such countries starting in February 2025, prompting legal challenges. In one instance, migrants were flown to South Sudan but were redirected to Djibouti following the court order.Supreme Court鈥檚 ruling on US deportation policyThe Supreme Court鈥檚 unsigned order suspends Judge Murphy鈥檚 injunction while legal proceedings continue in lower courts. The majority ruling allows the administration to deport migrants swiftly to third countries without providing the previously mandated notice or opportunity to contest based on potential harm.The Department of Homeland Security hailed the ruling as a 鈥渕ajor victory鈥 for national security and public safety. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated:鈥淭he Supreme Court ruling is a victory for the safety and security of the American people. The Biden Administration allowed millions of illegal aliens to flood our country, and now, the Trump Administration can exercise its undisputed authority to remove these criminal illegal aliens and clean up this national security nightmare.鈥漈he administration emphasized that many deportees are violent offenders, including convicted murderers, child rapists, and drug traffickers, whose home countries refuse to accept them. The ruling enables DHS to deport such individuals to third countries that have agreed to accept them, even if they have no prior ties.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onSupreme Court ruling on deportationUS immigration policy 2025US Supreme Courttrump administrationmigrant safety risksDepartment of Homeland SecurityTrump administration immigration policy(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates….moreless
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