New US Immigration Policy Allows Deportation To Third Countries After Just Six Hours' Notice

US immigration authorities have introduced a policy allowing the deportation of migrants to third countries with just six hours' notice. This change follows a Supreme Court ruling that lifted previous restrictions on such deportations. Migrants must be given the opportunity to consult an attorney before removal.

The memo, issued by acting director Todd Lyons, outlines that typically, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) waits at least 24 hours after notifying an individual before deporting them. However, in urgent situations, ICE can now proceed with deportations to third countries with only six hours' notice.

Supreme Court Ruling Impact

In June, the Supreme Court removed a lower court's order that limited deportations without screening for potential persecution in the destination country. This decision has enabled the Trump administration to expedite deportations globally. The Washington Post was the first to report on this new ICE memo.

The memo specifies that migrants can be sent to countries that have assured they will not persecute or torture them. This can occur without additional procedures, allowing for quicker deportation processes.

Global Deportation Efforts

Following the Supreme Court's ruling, eight migrants from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Sudan, and Vietnam were sent to South Sudan. The administration also urged officials from Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon to accept deportees from other regions.

Deportations to third countries are not new but may become more frequent as efforts increase under Trump's administration. During his presidency from 2017-2021, small numbers of people from El Salvador and Honduras were deported to Guatemala.

Biden Administration's Approach

Under President Joe Biden's administration, a deal was made with Mexico to accept thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This agreement was necessary due to challenges in deporting migrants directly back to these nations.

This new ICE policy is part of ongoing legal proceedings regarding the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from Maryland to El Salvador. The policy reflects broader efforts by US authorities to manage immigration through expedited removals.