Judge Weighs Return of Deported Criminals After Ruling U.S. May Have Violated Legal Order

A federal judge appointed by President Joe Biden is considering whether a plane that deported eight illegal immigrants, all convicted of serious crimes, must return to the United States. The individuals on board the flight to South Sudan include criminals convicted of offenses ranging from murder and robbery to sexual assault and child abuse. This development stems from a court ruling by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, who found that their removal may have violated a prior legal order.

DHS Highlights Brutal Crimes as Nations Reject Return of Deported Foreign Nationals

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released detailed information about the deportees’ criminal backgrounds, emphasizing the severity of their offenses. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the individuals as having committed “uniquely monstrous and barbaric” crimes, suggesting that no country was willing to accept them due to the extreme nature of their offenses. Despite legal compliance, McLaughlin criticized the court’s interference, arguing it undermines national security and foreign policy.

Among those deported is Thongxay Nilakout from Laos, convicted of first-degree murder and robbery, and Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez from Mexico, convicted of second-degree murder. Other individuals include Dian Peter Domach of South Sudan, with convictions for robbery and firearm possession, and two Burmese nationals convicted of sexual offenses involving minors and incapacitated victims. Additionally, Tuan Thanh Phan from Vietnam was convicted of first-degree murder and assault. All had been previously detained by ICE.

Legal Battle Over Deportations Raises Questions on Due Process and International Protections

Judge Murphy ruled that these deportations may have contravened his earlier order, which requires that deported individuals be given a fair chance to argue that returning to a third-party country could endanger them.

Lawyers for the deportees from Myanmar and Vietnam argue that their clients were removed without the required “credible fear interviews,” a potential violation of due process. Murphy is now weighing whether those interviews can be conducted in South Sudan or if the migrants must be returned to the U.S.

This case underscores growing tensions between the judicial system and federal immigration policy, particularly under the Trump administration, which pushed for stricter deportation measures. The legal challenges also highlight the complications of international deportations, especially when home countries refuse to accept their nationals.

Judge Murphy’s final decision could set a significant precedent for how the U.S. handles deportations of individuals who have committed violent crimes but face legal protections due to international human rights concerns.