Trump Administration Works to Return Guatemalan Migrant Deported Without Due Process

The Trump administration is working to return a Guatemalan man known as O.C.G. to the United States after a federal judge ruled that his deportation to Mexico lacked due process. O.C.G., who sought asylum due to violence he faced in Guatemala and had been granted withholding of removal, was sent to Mexico where he experienced rape and extortion, before Mexican authorities deported him to Guatemala. The judge found that O.C.G. was not given a proper opportunity to contest his removal and emphasized the need for additional due process steps before deporting him to any country other than Guatemala. Following the court order, the Justice Department and ICE have coordinated with O.C.G.’s attorneys and are preparing to bring him back on a chartered flight under a Significant Public Benefit Parole. The case highlights ongoing legal challenges to deportations under the Trump administration, with officials defending Mexico as a safe third country, despite evidence of harm to O.C.G. and the judge's criticism of the removal procedures. O.C.G. remains in hiding in Guatemala, fearing persecution and lacking protection from local authorities.