This aerial photograph was taken in December 2024 and showcases Djibouti, located in East Africa. The Trump administration recently transferred eight migrants who had been detained in Djibouti for several weeks to South Sudan, a move that has raised concerns about potential violence faced by the migrants. A federal judge in Massachusetts rejected an emergency request from the migrants’ legal representatives to halt their deportation to South Sudan, citing a previous Supreme Court ruling that allowed the deportation to proceed.
Following the judge’s decision, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the outcome and emphasized the importance of upholding law and order. The migrants’ lawyers had argued that their clients could be subjected to torture and denied their constitutional rights if sent to South Sudan. They characterized the deportation as punitive banishment and severe punishment, warning of potential harm or even death for the migrants.
Further legal arguments were presented in emergency hearings, with a judge in the District of Columbia ruling that the case should be transferred to Massachusetts. He cautioned against sending individuals to a place where their safety could be at risk, such as war-torn South Sudan. The migrants’ lawyers swiftly filed new claims in a federal court in Massachusetts to seek intervention and prevent the deportation.
Amidst these legal proceedings, concerns were raised about the impact on US diplomatic relations and the administration’s handling of deportations. The detainees, originating from various countries, were slated for deportation despite objections from their legal representatives regarding the potential dangers they may face in South Sudan.
To transport detainees and others by plane to other countries with a history of safety risks and brutality, the administration provided more details in court on the diplomatic correspondence between the United States and South Sudan. Upon arrival, the migrants would receive immigration status according to South Sudan laws and procedures, with no request from the US for them to be detained there. Attorney Moss expressed confidence in the detainees’ lawyers for their efforts to safeguard lives. He referenced a travel warning from the State Department regarding potential risks in South Sudan. While acknowledging the dangers, Moss refrained from excessive intervention in the US’ plans, issuing a brief stay on Friday afternoon. This article has been updated with new developments. Visit CNN.com to stay informed with more news and newsletters.
