US judge slams Trump admin for defying court in South Sudan, amid ongoing deportation fight

A federal judge in Massachusetts has strongly criticized senior Trump officials for failing to comply with his court orders after a group of migrants was deported from the U.S. to South Sudan. This latest dispute highlights issues surrounding deportations, due process protections, and the administration’s willingness to follow federal court rulings.

U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy issued a scathing 17-page order rejecting Trump’s request to amend or withdraw the previous decision requiring them to keep six migrants in U.S. custody after they were deported to South Sudan without due process or notice. Murphy ordered that the migrants remain in U.S. custody at a military base in Djibouti until they could undergo “reasonable fear interviews” to determine any fears of persecution or torture if released into South Sudanese custody. However, as of Monday night, these interviews had not taken place.

Murphy criticized the Trump administration for failing to comply with the court’s orders and attacking the courts, accusing them of mischaracterizing the court’s rulings and creating chaos. The judge presides over a class-action lawsuit from migrants challenging deportations to third countries, including South Sudan. He emphasized the need to balance due process protections under the U.S. Constitution with the administration’s deportation practices.

Despite allowing the migrants to remain in South Sudan under U.S. custody for the interviews, Murphy noted the administration’s failure to carry out the necessary procedures. He highlighted the Justice Department’s shifting positions on adequate notice for removals, stating that 24 hours may not be sufficient. The deported individuals lacked access to legal counsel, further complicating their situation.

Federal judges have repeatedly ruled against the Trump administration for violating due process in deportations. The Supreme Court has also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the migrants’ rights to challenge their removals. However, the administration has yet to comply with court orders to facilitate their return to the U.S.

In response to criticism from the White House, Murphy reaffirmed the importance of due process regardless of the migrants’ criminal histories. He emphasized the court’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and invited the administration to submit arguments in writing. However, he noted the administration’s evasion tactics and lack of clarity in complying with court orders.

This ongoing dispute underscores the challenges surrounding deportations, due process, and the administration’s compliance with federal court rulings. The judge’s order serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding constitutional protections for all individuals, regardless of their legal status.