U.S. Begins Deporting Migrants to South Sudan Despite Federal Court Ban

The United States has reportedly begun deporting South Sudanese migrants, defying a federal court order that temporarily halted removals due to ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns in the region. Legal advocates and immigration attorneys say at least several individuals have already been placed on deportation flights, sparking outrage from human rights organizations.

The deportations come amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. immigration enforcement practices and raise questions about the government’s compliance with judicial rulings. The court injunction, issued earlier this month, explicitly barred removals to South Sudan, citing the risk of persecution, torture, or death upon return.

“This is a direct violation of federal law and international human rights standards,” said a spokesperson for the American Immigration Council. “Sending people back to a country ravaged by conflict, famine, and political instability is unconscionable.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not publicly confirmed the deportations, but anonymous sources within the agency acknowledged that “removal operations” have continued in limited cases. Some of those deported had pending asylum appeals or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) claims.

Attorneys representing affected migrants say they were not notified in time to intervene legally. In one case, a South Sudanese man who had lived in the U.S. for over eight years was deported overnight despite having a hearing scheduled the following week.

The Biden administration had previously halted deportations to South Sudan due to escalating civil unrest. However, the resumption of removals — particularly under President Trump’s renewed national security doctrine — signals a tougher stance on immigration enforcement regardless of destination country conditions.

International observers, including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, have expressed alarm over the U.S.’s decision, urging a review of the practice and adherence to non-refoulement principles under international law.