Supreme Court backs Trump policy on third country deportations

A divided U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to resume deporting undocumented migrants to third countries, even when those destinations are not their countries of origin. The decision came after the Justice Department requested an emergency suspension of a lower court's order halting the practice.

The Supreme Court, which did not explain its decision, permitted the controversial deportations to proceed while the case continues in an appeals court. Three liberal justices dissented, criticizing the move.

Previously, District Judge Brian Murphy had blocked the deportations in April, citing the migrants’ lack of a meaningful chance to challenge their removal. He insisted that individuals should be given at least 15 days to present evidence showing potential threats of torture or death in the receiving country.

The case involves eight men from Myanmar, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Mexico, and South Sudan—all convicted of violent crimes in the United States. They were en route to South Sudan when the court order was issued and have been held at a U.S. military base in Djibouti since.

The Trump administration defends the policy, arguing that deporting migrants to third countries is necessary, especially when their home nations refuse to receive them.

In her dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor condemned the administration’s actions as “flagrantly unlawful,” warning that they expose thousands of people to serious harm. She accused the government of ignoring legal constraints and due process rights.

The Department of Homeland Security praised the court’s decision, portraying it as a win for national security. Officials criticized the earlier ruling, suggesting that it would allow dangerous criminals to remain in the country.

Since his return to the presidency in January, Donald Trump has prioritized large-scale deportations, though many of his initiatives have faced legal challenges, including from the Supreme Court. Judge Murphy, appointed by President Joe Biden, also halted removals of Asian migrants to Libya, reflecting ongoing judicial resistance to certain aspects of the administration’s deportation agenda.