Judge Orders Halt to South Sudan Deportations

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to keep a group of migrants, mainly from Myanmar, Vietnam, and other countries, in U.S. custody after allegations that they were deported to South Sudan in violation of a court order. The deportations reportedly occurred without giving the migrants a chance to challenge removal, which was required by a prior injunction intended to prevent removals to dangerous third countries. Judge Brian Murphy warned officials they could face criminal contempt if the order was violated. Legal advocates noted failures in due process, including inadequate notice in languages the migrants understood. At least a dozen migrants were reportedly sent to South Sudan despite ongoing conflict and a U.S. State Department travel advisory. The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment, and a further hearing is scheduled.