ICE Expands Third-Country Deportations With Less Notice

A new ICE memo, following a recent Supreme Court ruling, allows deportation of migrants to third countries—where they may not be citizens or speak the language—with as little as six hours' notice in exigent circumstances, and at least 24 hours otherwise. The policy applies to individuals with final removal orders who cannot be returned to their home countries, such as those from Cuba or China due to diplomatic barriers. Migrants will have an opportunity to consult attorneys and will be screened if they express fear of persecution, but critics argue the timeframe is insufficient for legal or personal preparations. Deportations can occur immediately to countries that provide diplomatic assurances of safety. Advocates have condemned the policy as dangerous and potentially cruel, warning it could result in removal to unfamiliar and unsafe places. The Biden administration had previously arranged with Mexico to accept some migrants, but this policy marks a significant ramp-up in third-country deportations.