The administration of Donald Trump is facing criticism and requests for explanation following revelations that it would be deporting immigrants from countries as far away as Vietnam, Mexico, and Cuba to South Sudan, an African nation engulfed in instability and on the brink of a new civil conflict.
According to the agency Associated Press (AP), a U.S. federal judge ordered an emergency hearing on Wednesday for officials from the current administration to appear and address this controversial policy.
The government acknowledged having expelled eight immigrants convicted of violent crimes, but refused to specify their final destination.
If confirmed that South Sudan is the recipient country, it would imply that people with no connection to that nation are being relocated thousands of kilometers from their countries of origin or residence.
The situation has raised concerns among South Sudanese citizens, such as Martin Mawut Ochalla, 28 years old, who fears that "once they are brought to South Sudan, criminal activities will increase," emphasized AP.
The police spokesperson for South Sudan, Major General James Monday Enoka, stated to the press agency that, so far, they have not received any migrants from the United States.
He warned that, if they arrive, they would be investigated and "re-deported to their correct country" if they are not South Sudanese citizens.
This would not be the first time the Trump administration exerts pressure on South Sudan regarding migration issues.
In the past, he revoked the visas of all South Sudanese citizens in the U.S., citing a lack of cooperation from the African government to accept their nationals, even though some cases involved individuals from other nationalities.
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, is facing a chronic humanitarian crisis, characterized by collapsed institutions, high levels of violence, extreme poverty, and a healthcare and education system on the verge of collapse.
The international community has warned about the risk of a new civil war following the partial collapse of the peace agreement reached in 2018.
Regarding this topic, two Cuban citizens with extensive criminal records are reported to have been deported this Wednesday by U.S. immigration authorities on a controversial repatriation flight that made a stop in South Sudan.
The operation, organized by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), included eight foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes, including murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deportations of Immigrants to South Sudan
Why is the United States deporting immigrants to South Sudan?
The United States has been accused of deporting immigrants to South Sudan, a country with high levels of instability. The Trump administration has justified these deportations on the grounds that the countries of origin of these immigrants refuse to accept them, and South Sudan has been used as a "third country" to resettle these individuals, although this has sparked criticism and concern for human rights.
Who are the immigrants deported to South Sudan?
Among those deported are individuals from various nationalities, including Cubans, Vietnamese, and Mexicans, who have been convicted of serious crimes. Eight immigrants were identified as being convicted of violent offenses and were deported on a flight that made a stop in South Sudan, although it is unclear if this will be their final destination.
How has South Sudan reacted to these deportations?
The police spokesperson for South Sudan, Major General James Monday Enoka, has stated that they have not received migrants from the United States so far. If they do receive them, they would be investigated and deported back to their home countries if they are not South Sudanese citizens, reflecting concerns about the potential impact they could have on the country's security.
What criticisms has the United States faced for these deportations?
Deportations have generated criticism both nationally and internationally. The legality and ethics of sending immigrants to a country with which they have no ties is being questioned, especially one as unstable as South Sudan. Additionally, concerns have been raised about human rights and the effectiveness of this immigration strategy under the Trump administration.
Filed under:
