Reuters
(Washington, DC) – A federal judge appointed by former President Joe Biden has temporarily blocked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from deporting migrants to so-called “third countries” without additional legal protections.
The ruling halts a policy that allowed federal authorities to remove individuals to countries other than their homeland or the nation specified in their removal order — a practice immigration officials have used in certain enforcement cases.
What the Judge Said
In his decision, the judge found that migrants must be given proper notice and a meaningful opportunity to raise claims that they could face persecution or torture if sent to another country. The court concluded that deporting individuals to third-party nations without those safeguards likely violates due process protections.
The order temporarily blocks enforcement of the policy while the legal challenge moves forward.
Why It Matters
Supporters of the deportation policy have argued it is a lawful and necessary tool to manage the immigration system and expedite removals. Critics, however, contend that sending migrants to countries where they have no ties — and potentially face danger — undermines fundamental legal protections.
The decision adds to ongoing court battles over immigration enforcement, an issue that remains deeply divisive in Washington.
The federal government is expected to appeal the ruling, setting up another potential showdown over executive authority and immigration policy.
