Supreme Court Hands Trump Administration a Victory in Third-Country Deportation Case
The Supreme Court has handed President Donald Trump a significant win in his administration’s efforts to enforce its third-country deportation policy. In a recent decision, the court granted the administration’s request to clarify a prior ruling, allowing the deportation of migrants to countries not listed in their original removal orders. This move clears the way for the Trump administration to move forward with deportations under its executive order, even to destinations not previously specified in court-approved documents.
The court’s decision was met with dissent from Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who accused the court of enabling deportations that could lead to torture or death. “Today’s order clarifies only one thing: Other litigants must follow the rules, but the administration has the Supreme Court on speed dial. Respectfully, I dissent,” Sotomayor wrote. She further emphasized that the government seeks to nullify basic rights by deporting noncitizens to potentially dangerous countries without notice or the opportunity to assert a fear of torture.
The ruling strengthens the Trump administration’s hand in enforcing its third-country deportation policy, with White House officials hailing it as a critical win for the president’s immigration agenda. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the decision, stating, “This is another incredible victory for America. Thank you to the Supreme Court for ruling on the side of law and order, and affirming the executive authority of the President.” The decision has significant implications for migrants facing deportation, who may now be sent to countries where they face a risk of violence or persecution without prior notice or opportunity to raise claims.
