The men, convicted of crimes including murder, sexual assault, and robbery, had served or were nearing the end of their prison sentences in the US. While only one is South Sudanese, the rest—nationals of Myanmar, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, and Mexico—were sent to the country after their home states refused to accept them.

Initially flown out in May, their plane was diverted to Djibouti when US District Judge Brian Murphy blocked the deportation, arguing due process required notice and asylum interviews for third-country deportations. But the Supreme Court overturned this ruling, enabling the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to proceed.

“This is a victory over activist judges,” said DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.

Uncertainty Awaits In South Sudan

It remains unclear whether the South Sudanese government has detained the deportees. The US State Department continues to warn against travel to the country due to crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict. The deportation has reignited fears over the Trump administration’s plans to use third countries for broader deportation strategies.

Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked all visas for South Sudanese passport holders, citing the country’s historical refusal to accept its deported nationals.

Wider Implications For US Deportation Strategy

The US has previously deported individuals to El Salvador and Costa Rica under similar arrangements, with Rwanda and Benin among others reportedly in talks. The latest case signals a firm commitment by Washington to pursue deportations—even if that means sending people to unstable or unfamiliar countries.