The Supreme Court has lifted the judge-imposed limits on the Trump administration’s deportations to countries where migrants have no ties.
The decision was made despite dissent from the court’s liberal justices.
The backstory: U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy’s injunction blocked the administration from deporting a group of convicted criminals to South Sudan, leading to concerns over the safety of immigration officials in Djibouti.
The big picture: The majority did not provide an explanation for lifting the ruling, sparking criticism from the liberal justices.
- Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed disappointment in their colleagues’ decision, accusing them of rewarding lawlessness.
What we’re watching: The case will be sent back to an appeals court and may return to the Supreme Court on the regular docket.
Driving the news: The Trump administration has been utilizing third-country removals to deport migrants to countries other than those specified in their deportation orders.
- Several anonymous noncitizens sued the administration, claiming that the deportations violate federal laws and their constitutional due process rights.
- Judge Murphy issued a nationwide injunction against the deportations unless the migrants are given adequate opportunity to raise concerns about facing torture in the third country.
- The administration argued that the injunction puts national security interests at risk and obstructs the removal of dangerous criminals.
- Despite the judge’s order, the administration went ahead with deporting a group of criminals to South Sudan, leading to continued legal battles.
