A U.S. federal judge has ruled that the deportation of eight men to South Sudan “unquestionably” violated his court order requiring migrants be allowed to challenge their removal to third countries.
Judge Brian Murphy made the statement Wednesday, a day after ordering U.S. officials to keep the men in custody amid concerns his April 18 ruling had been breached. “I don’t see how anybody could say that these individuals had a meaningful opportunity to object,” he said, according to CBS News.
The Department of Homeland Security argued the men, who faced serious criminal convictions including murder and rape, were not ultimately being removed to South Sudan. “Every single one of them was convicted of a heinous crime,” said spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin.
A Justice Department lawyer confirmed the deportation flight had landed but didn’t disclose the location, citing safety concerns. The judge said he would later decide whether to hold officials in contempt.
Photographs and details of the men were posted Wednesday on X.