Supreme Court allows Trump to swiftly deport certain immigrants to 'third countries'

Trump administration sought to overturn a judge's ruling that imposed a legal process for deporting convicted criminals to places other than their countries of origin.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court made it easier Monday for the Trump administration to deport convicted criminals to "third countries" to which they have no previous connection.

In a brief unsigned order that did not explain its reasoning, the court put on hold a federal judge's ruling that said those affected nationwide should have a "meaningful opportunity" to bring claims that they would be at risk of torture, persecution or death if they were sent to countries the administration has made deals with to receive deported immigrants.

As a result, the administration will be able to try to quickly remove immigrants to such third countries, including South Sudan. Affected immigrants can still attempt to bring individual claims.

"The ramifications of the Supreme Court’s order will be horrifying; it strips away critical due process protections that have been protecting our class members from torture and death,” said Trina Realmuto, executive director of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, one of the groups that brought the legal challenge.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement that the decision was a "victory for the safety and security of the American people." She also criticized the Biden administration, saying its immigration policies allowed too many migrants into the country.