A U.S. federal judge ordered the Trump administration to suspend deportations of migrants potentially sent to war-torn South Sudan, raising concerns over due process violations and the safety of individuals targeted for removal.

Judge Brian Murphy, in a late-night emergency order, instructed authorities to “maintain custody” of the deportees and demanded records clarifying how each had been informed of their deportation and afforded a chance to contest it. He added the migrants “must be treated humanely.”

Conflicting Deportation Notices Spark Confusion

The case centers on a group of Asian migrants — including individuals from Myanmar and Vietnam — who were abruptly told they would be deported to South Sudan. One migrant, initially told he would be sent to South Africa, received written notice in English that he was bound for South Sudan instead, only for government lawyers to later claim he was sent to Myanmar.

"The judge found it difficult to believe that in less than 13 hours the impossible became possible," said attorney Jonathan Ryan, noting the inconsistencies raised deep legal concerns.

Broader Context: Legal Violations and TPS Complications

The deportations follow a pattern of questionable removals under the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration stance. Earlier this year, courts blocked the deportation of other migrants to Libya for similar reasons. Lawyers argue the administration is denying migrants constitutional protections, including notice in their native language and access to habeas corpus.

Meanwhile, South Sudan remains under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the U.S. due to enduring violence. Although TPS was automatically extended this month, the country is still plagued by civil unrest, and a 2023 U.S. report cited grave human rights violations.

Migrants Sent Despite War Zone Risk

At least 11 men were reportedly designated for deportation to South Sudan, though their exact whereabouts remain unclear. The Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and the White House have not commented on the case. According to Bloomberg, earlier deportations included Venezuelan nationals sent to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act.

Judge Murphy demanded that the government provide a full list of the men deported, their destinations, and details of their legal review process.