A federal judge has ruled that deporting undocumented migrants to third countries like Libya or Saudi Arabia without written notice and the chance to contest their removal violates a standing court order. This decision comes after reports surfaced that the Trump administration was preparing to deport migrants to Libya using U.S. military aircraft. Immigrant advocacy groups quickly filed an emergency motion to stop the removals, citing violations of due process and the dangers posed by sending people to conflict zones.
Judge Brian Murphy emphasized that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cannot avoid legal obligations by involving other federal agencies such as the Department of Defense in deportation efforts. His April 30, 2025 amendment to a previous injunction clarified that any such transfer of responsibility still falls under the court's authority. He stated that if migrants are deported to countries other than their own without due process, it would be a clear breach of his order.
The reports included flight plans for a U.S. Air Force C-17 traveling from San Antonio to Misrata, Libya, with indications that migrants would be onboard. One attorney involved in the case claimed his client was verbally told he would be sent to Libya without receiving written documentation. Meanwhile, Libya’s government publicly denied any agreement with the U.S. regarding accepting deported migrants, and the State Department refused to confirm or deny the plans, citing diplomatic confidentiality.
While talks are ongoing about potentially sending migrants to other countries in Africa, such as Rwanda, there are currently no confirmed plans. The court ruling halts any immediate deportations to third countries and strengthens protections for migrants by requiring notice and the opportunity to challenge removal decisions, especially when involving nations with active conflict or poor human rights records.
Reference:
Alvarez, Priscilla. Treene, Alayna. “Federal judge says Libya deportation flight could violate prior court order” CNN Politics. May 7, 2025.
