US Judge Rules Trump Administration Violated Court Order in South Sudan-Linked Deportation Case
Federal Judge Finds Deportation Flight “Unquestionably Violative” of Injunction
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration violated a court order by attempting to deport migrants to South Sudan without proper due process. US District Judge Brian Murphy declared the deportation effort “unquestionably violative” of his April 18 injunction, setting up another legal battle for an administration frequently accused of ignoring judicial rulings.
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Due Process Concerns in Rapid Deportations
Judge Murphy, based in Boston, Massachusetts, found that migrants were given less than 24 hours’ notice before being placed on the deportation flight – far short of the 15-day minimum he had ordered. The migrants, who hail from Myanmar, Vietnam and other countries, reportedly received no translation assistance for their removal notices.
“The people on board Tuesday’s flight had not been given enough time to challenge their deportations,” Murphy stated, calling this a violation of both their constitutional rights and his previous court order.
Government Defends Controversial Deportation
At a separate news conference, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials defended the operation. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons claimed those deported had been accused of serious crimes including murder, armed robbery, and sexual assault. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin framed the operation as a “diplomatic and military security operation.”
McLaughlin disputed reports that South Sudan was the final destination, stating: “We’re confirming the fact that that’s not their final destination.” She suggested the flight might make multiple stops, though refused to disclose locations citing security concerns.
Ongoing Legal and Political Battle
The Trump administration has repeatedly clashed with judges over immigration policies, labeling unfavorable rulings as “activist” decisions. McLaughlin criticized Judge Murphy for “trying to protect some of the most barbaric, violent individuals” and attempting to “dictate the foreign policy and national security of the United States.”
Meanwhile, reports conflict about the flight’s actual destination. While migrant lawyers suggested South Sudan, authorities there deny receiving any deportees. The New York Times reports the plane may have landed in Djibouti instead.
Judge Murphy has ordered the government to maintain custody of the deportees and ensure their safety as legal proceedings continue. This case highlights ongoing tensions between the judiciary and an administration pursuing aggressive immigration enforcement policies.
Source: Al Jazeera