Overview

• U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy ruled that migrants deported to South Sudan and other third countries must remain under U.S. custody to ensure their potential return if removals are deemed unlawful.
• The Trump administration confirmed deporting eight individuals convicted of violent crimes but withheld details on their final destinations, citing classification for security reasons.
• Lawyers for migrants argued that deportations violated a prior court order requiring notice and an opportunity to contest removals, including claims of fear-based protection under international law.
• South Sudan officials stated no migrants had arrived in the country and pledged to investigate and redeport any non-South Sudanese arrivals.
• The administration defended the deportations, labeling the individuals as dangerous criminals rejected by their home countries, while the judge raised concerns over potential contempt of court.