South Sudan is currently holding eight men deported from the United States, only one of whom is a South Sudanese national, the others coming from various countries. The deportations stem from the Trump administration’s efforts to relocate unwanted migrants to third countries, with the men having been convicted of violent crimes. South Sudan’s foreign ministry stated that the men are being screened and cared for, emphasizing the decision was part of ongoing bilateral engagement with the U.S. The move has drawn criticism from UN experts and raised safety concerns due to the ongoing conflict and instability within South Sudan, with fears of a return to war.
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U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently proposed replacing undocumented migrant farm workers with “able-bodied adults on Medicaid” as part of the administration’s plan for mass deportations and an “Americanized” agricultural workforce. This proposal, announced during a press conference, has generated significant criticism from labor advocates and health policy experts, who deem it unrealistic and economically unsound. Critics emphasize the potential for disruption to food production and price increases due to the loss of undocumented farm labor. Rollins also announced new restrictions on foreign land ownership, particularly involving countries like China, while industry groups express concern about potential labor shortages.
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The El Salvador government has directly contradicted the Trump administration’s stance on responsibility for deported migrants held in its prisons. While the Trump administration has claimed it has no power to bring back the deportees, El Salvador has stated that the U.S. holds the “legal responsibility” for the individuals. These statements were made in response to a U.N. inquiry concerning the disappearance of a relative within the Salvadoran prison system. The article also highlights that many of those deported, accused of gang affiliation, may have no connection to the gangs, raising questions about the legality and treatment of these individuals.
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Jermaine Thomas, born on a U.S. military base to a U.S. citizen father, was deported to Jamaica, a country he had never lived in. Despite his father’s citizenship, a court ruled that Thomas was not a U.S. citizen due to the location of his birth and his father not meeting the physical presence requirements at the time. Thomas was arrested in Texas, leading to his transfer to ICE and subsequent deportation to Jamaica, where he now faces homelessness and statelessness, lacking legal status and access to work. His family fears visiting him due to potential repercussions for their own immigration status, highlighting the tragic consequences of his complex citizenship status.
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The Trump administration now claims the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador was an isolated administrative error, contradicting previous statements. This assertion comes in the ongoing legal battle where Abrego Garcia is suing over his wrongful deportation, while the government has filed human smuggling charges against him. Abrego Garcia endured harsh conditions during his detention at the CECOT prison, including severe physical and psychological abuse. Despite the initial failure to comply with a court order, he was eventually returned to the U.S., charged with human smuggling, and now faces the potential of being deported again.
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As a deadline set by the Iranian government approached, millions of Afghan migrants and refugees in Iran were facing potential arrest and deportation, raising concerns about the destabilization of Afghanistan. Humanitarian organizations warned of the humanitarian consequences, as the government began expelling Afghans who lacked the right to remain, citing national security concerns. The deportations, which increased significantly during the recent conflict with Israel, have already resulted in hundreds of thousands of Afghans leaving Iran, with many reporting family separation and displacement. Furthermore, Afghans are being blamed for economic hardships and other social issues, and have even been accused of spying, fueling anti-Afghan sentiment.
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President Trump has introduced a new proposal allowing farmers to vouch for migrant farmworkers facing deportation, permitting them to remain in the U.S. Under the plan, to be implemented in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, farmers would essentially be put in charge, ensuring that those who have worked diligently on their farms can stay. While acknowledging potential opposition from some, the President argued it was necessary to maintain the American agricultural sector, also suggesting the possibility of expanding the plan to the hospitality industry. The proposal has already drawn criticism from some Republicans, who questioned the selective enforcement of immigration laws.
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Cynthia Olivera, a Canadian national, was detained by ICE agents while applying for permanent US residency, despite her husband’s support for Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Olivera’s husband, a US citizen, expressed feeling betrayed by the administration, highlighting the couple’s belief that her undocumented status would not be a barrier. Despite having lived in the US for decades and working legally for years, Olivera faces deportation after a previous deportation order. The Trump administration labeled her as an “illegal alien” who re-entered the country illegally, justifying her continued detention.
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Cynthia Olivera, a Canadian-born woman who has lived in the U.S. for 35 years, was detained by ICE following a green card interview. Despite having a work permit and no criminal record, Olivera was taken into custody and has been held for twenty days. Her husband, a U.S. citizen who voted for Donald Trump, is now struggling to arrange her deportation to Canada. Both are frustrated by the situation and are seeking to have her deported to Canada. ICE has not responded to inquiries about her case or when she will be deported.
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In a recent Supreme Court ruling, Justice Sotomayor, joined by Justice Jackson, dissented against a decision allowing for the deportation of migrants to countries they are not from, criticizing the court for failing to uphold the basic human right against torture or death. The ruling specifically concerned eight men removed from the U.S. and slated for deportation to South Sudan, a nation with significant safety concerns. Sotomayor argued this action could lead to non-citizens being deported to dangerous countries without due process, while the DHS defended their actions as crucial for removing dangerous criminals. This decision sets a precedent for future deportations to third-party nations, despite potential risks to those deported.
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John Q. Hosedrinker