US Senator Marco Rubio has argued that blocking deportations to South Sudan will harm humanitarian aid efforts in the region. A federal judge had previously ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to send Asian immigrants to South Sudan, directing them to maintain custody of the immigrants at a US military base.
Rubio claims that cooperation with South Sudan is crucial for both removals and humanitarian efforts. He states that without South Sudan’s cooperation, moving humanitarian relief into the region becomes more difficult. However, critics argue that the Trump administration has significantly reduced humanitarian efforts, including the elimination of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Last month, Save the Children reported that it had closed seven free health facilities in South Sudan due to foreign aid cuts. The organization cited a $13 million funding cut by the State Department and UN programs. These cuts resulted in the deaths of five children with cholera and three adults who died while attempting to reach an organization’s nearest health facility.
Rubio’s declaration also suggests that the judge’s orders have affected diplomatic efforts and exacerbated internal divisions in Libya. He claims that blocking deportations will disrupt counter-terrorism operations and military movements. However, critics argue that the Trump administration has used immigration policies as a means to further its own interests rather than prioritizing humanitarian concerns.
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-rubio-south-sudan-deportations-humanitarian-aid-1235347674