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Catholic immigration advocates have raised concerns over recent deportations to East Africa by the Trump administration, which they claim defy a court order. Anna Gallagher, executive director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. (CLINIC), stated that deporting migrants to South Sudan violates the rule of law. J. Kevin Appleby from the Center for Migration Studies also criticized the government's actions.
In April, U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy ruled against deporting individuals with a final removal order to non-origin countries without due process. Despite this, seven men from various nations were reportedly taken to a U.S. military base in Djibouti on May 20-21. President Donald Trump confirmed these removals on May 22.
The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Murphy's order, arguing it interferes with immigration policy and national security efforts. The Department of Homeland Security noted that all deported individuals had been convicted of violent crimes.
Murphy ordered DHS to maintain custody of those removed pending legal review and expected humane treatment for them. Tricia McLaughlin from DHS stated that removing these criminals ensures American safety.
While U.S. law allows some removals to non-origin nations, it is typically rare and considers potential endangerment risks. International human rights laws emphasize non-refoulement, which prevents returning refugees to dangerous territories.
Stacy L. Brustin from The Catholic University of America highlighted that non-refoulement is both a U.S. and international obligation. She emphasized protection against torture regardless of criminal history.
Despite this, the Trump administration plans more deportations to countries like El Salvador and Libya, raising concerns about due process and human rights violations among judges and advocates.
Judge Murphy recently ordered the return of a Guatemalan man seeking protection in the U.S., but he was instead sent back to Guatemala via Mexico, where he faced previous threats.
Gallagher expressed that such actions contradict Catholic social teachings on dignity and compassion for vulnerable individuals, while Brustin noted the profound dehumanization involved in these practices.
Gina Christian reports for OSV News.
