 Key Takeaways:
- SCOTUS allows Trump admin to temporarily deport immigrants to third countries.
- Target countries include dangerous places like South Sudan and Libya.
- Eight men, mostly not from South Sudan, faced deportation there.
- The decision was 6-3, with liberal justices dissenting.
- South Sudan and Libya are marked by conflict and instability.
- The admin plans to expand this policy to more countries.
In a significant move, the U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed the Trump administration to deport immigrants to countries they weren’t born in, even if those places are unsafe. This decision, made in June, affects countries like South Sudan and Libya, known for their dangerous conditions and human rights issues.
SCOTUS Decision and Its Impact
The Supreme Court’s ruling was close, with a 6-3 vote. The majority didn’t provide detailed reasons, which worried the three dissenting justices. Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson argued that deporting people to unsafe countries could put them in harm’s way. Justice Sotomayor expressed concern that the Court found it acceptable for thousands to face violence rather than ensuring the government followed proper procedures.
The Case of the Eight Men
In May, the Trump administration tried to deport eight men to South Sudan. However, only one was actually from there; the others were from countries like Cuba, Mexico, and Vietnam. A federal judge in Massachusetts stopped this deportation, citing safety concerns. These men are now in Djibouti, waiting to learn their fate.
South Sudan’s Turmoil
South Sudan, which became independent in 2011, is led by President Salva Kiir, known for his authoritarian rule. The country has been in conflict since 2013, causing millions to flee. In 2025 alone, over 130,000 people were displaced. The U.S. has warned its employees to leave due to the unsafe conditions and human rights abuses.
Libya’s Danger
Libya, another target for deportations, has been unstable since 2011. It has two rival governments and is controlled by armed militias. Migrants there face trafficking, enslavement, and torture. Recent discoveries of mass graves highlight the dangers. Despite this, the U.S. is considering deporting people there, partly due to oil interests.
Broader Plans and Criticisms
The Trump administration is looking to expand this deportation policy to more countries, mostly in Africa. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned potential deals, like with an energy company in Libya. Critics argue that deporting people to unsafe countries violates their rights and endangers their lives.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision has sparked debate about safety, rights, and the administration’s priorities. As the U.S. considers more countries for deportations, the fate of many immigrants hangs in the balance, raising concerns about their well-being and the morality of such policies.