U.S. Judge Threatens Contempt as Reports Emerge of Migrants Deported to South Sudan in Defiance of Court Order

U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy sharply criticized the Trump administration after learning that a group of migrants was reportedly en route to South Sudan, despite a court order barring such transfers to third countries without due process, as per Al Jazeera.

During an emergency virtual hearing, Judge Murphy demanded to know the flight’s location and said he could order the plane to turn around.

“Based on what I have been told, this seems like it may be contempt,” Murphy told Justice Department attorney Elianis Perez.

Perez responded that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had classified the flight details and did not believe it was violating the court’s injunction. Murphy’s April 18 order requires the government to give migrants a meaningful chance to appeal removals and prohibits deportations to countries other than their own.

Human-rights groups note the State Department lists South Sudan for “significant human-rights issues,” including torture and extrajudicial killings. Lawyers representing the migrants warn their clients could face persecution or death if sent there.

The emergency filing describes one detainee from Myanmar who received removal notices first listing South Africa, then South Sudan, without translation assistance. Attorneys said he was taken from a Texas detention center before legal counsel could intervene.

Murphy, appointed by former President Joe Biden, cited the migrants’ Fifth Amendment right to due process and indicated he may hold officials in contempt if the flight proceeds. The court is expected to continue monitoring the situation as lawyers seek confirmation of the migrants’ whereabouts.