The US government has deported eight migrants from Djibouti to South Sudan, where they fear for their safety, following a court order. The migrants’ lawyers had argued that they would face torture and human rights abuses if sent to the war-torn country.
A federal judge in Massachusetts denied an emergency request to block the deportation, citing a Supreme Court decision allowing the move forward. The judge stated that law and order prevails and that the US government has a duty to enforce immigration laws.
The migrants are from countries including Myanmar, Sudan, Mexico, Vietnam, Laos, and Cuba, and were granted immigration status in South Sudan upon arrival, according to court filings. However, the US diplomatic relations with South Sudan could be harmed by the deportation process.
A judge in DC District Court had previously ordered a stay on the deportation until 4:30 p.m. ET, citing significant risks to physical safety. The migrants’ lawyers argued that sending them to South Sudan would be further punishment than the sentences they’ve already served for crimes.
The Justice Department argued that the detainees’ legal approach was an attempt to “drag out” their being moved out of Djibouti and hurt US diplomatic relations with other countries.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/04/politics/migrants-djibouti-south-sudan