Homeland Security: Trafficking Allegations & Defiance
- A federal judge intervened to stop the trump administration from deporting eight men to South Sudan, a country the State department warns americans to avoid due to "crime,...
- The men, none of whom were from South Sudan, were placed on a plane from Texas.
- The core legal issue revolves around "reasonable fear screenings," which allow individuals to explain potential torture or persecution if deported to a specific country.Homeland Security allegedly skipped these...
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from deporting eight men, sparking accusations of potential human trafficking and due process violations. The court intervened after the administration was accused of ignoring court orders and sending individuals to South Sudan without proper screenings, putting them at risk. This controversial move raises serious questions about the administration’s practices and the safety of those deported. The Justice Department initially deflected but later admitted errors regarding travel documents.news Directory 3 continues to monitor the unfolding legal battle, which highlights concerns over human trafficking and the rights of those facing deportation. Discover what’s next as the judge considers further action.
Judge Halts South Sudan Deportations: Trump Admin. Accused of Human Trafficking
Updated May 26, 2025
A federal judge intervened to stop the trump administration from deporting eight men to South Sudan, a country the State department warns americans to avoid due to “crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict.” The incident raises concerns about potential human trafficking and due process violations.
The men, none of whom were from South Sudan, were placed on a plane from Texas. Lawyers filed an emergency motion alleging that Homeland Security, under Kristi Noem, disregarded court orders by sending individuals to dangerous countries with which they had no connection. The South Sudan deportation was halted in Djibouti after a judge ordered the men to be kept in U.S. custody.
The core legal issue revolves around ”reasonable fear screenings,” which allow individuals to explain potential torture or persecution if deported to a specific country.Homeland Security allegedly skipped these screenings, violating due process.
Judge Brian Murphy expressed displeasure, noting the administration’s defiance of his orders. The Justice Department had argued that courts lose jurisdiction once individuals are removed from the country, a stance conflicting with Supreme Court precedent.
A federal judge in Boston said on Wednesday that the Trump administration had violated an order he issued last month barring officials from deporting people to countries not their own without first giving them sufficient time to object.
Judge Murphy emphasized the lack of a “meaningful possibility” for the men to object, given less than 24 hours’ notice before being sent to a country the U.S.Department of State advises against visiting.
To be clear, this is not one of those hard cases. Giving every credit to Defendants’ account, the non-citizens at issue had fewer than 24 hours’ notice, and zero business hours’ notice, before being put on a plane and sent to a country as to which the U.S. department of State issues the following warning: “Do not travel to South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict.”
The judge ordered the DOJ to explain why N.M., originally from myanmar, was being sent to South Sudan. The DOJ’s response focused on criminal records, deflecting from the central question. They later claimed Myanmar was “recalcitrant” about accepting deportees. However,after N.M. obtained legal counsel, the DOJ ”realized” he had proper travel documents for Myanmar, raising questions about their initial actions.
upon further investigation after contact from [REDACTED] counsel, it was realized that [REDACTED] was in fact in possession of a travel document to Burma. Thereafter, it was decided that he would rather be removed to Burma.
The case highlights concerns about due process and potential human trafficking.judge Murphy suggested potential criminal contempt charges against government officials.
What’s next
Judge Murphy is considering further action, including potential criminal contempt charges, against government officials involved in the deportation attempt. The case remains ongoing, with potential implications for future deportation proceedings.