Fact Check: Supreme Court allows Trump to deport immigrants to 'third countries' without connections

Fact Check: Supreme Court Allows Trump to Deport Immigrants to 'Third Countries' Without Connections

What We Know

On June 23, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a ruling allowing the Trump administration to deport migrants to countries other than their own, effectively pausing a lower court's decision that mandated due process for these deportations. The ruling specifically pertains to migrants who may face deportation to countries where they have no citizenship or connections, such as South Sudan, which has been highlighted as a destination for some deportees (New York Times, Reuters).

The Supreme Court's order did not provide a rationale but indicated that the lower court's ruling would remain on hold while the government appeals the decision. This ruling is part of a broader trend where the Supreme Court has made several immigration-related decisions through what critics refer to as the "shadow docket," which allows for expedited rulings without full briefings or oral arguments (Washington Post).

Analysis

The ruling has sparked significant debate regarding its implications for due process rights of migrants. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, along with Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented, arguing that the majority's decision disregards federal law that protects noncitizens from being deported to countries where they are likely to face torture or death (New York Times). The dissent emphasized the importance of providing migrants with the opportunity to contest their deportation, highlighting that the majority's ruling could lead to severe human rights violations.

Critics of the ruling, including legal advocates, have expressed concerns that it enables the government to deport individuals to dangerous regions without adequate legal safeguards. For instance, Leila Kang, a lawyer with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, stated that the ruling could leave thousands vulnerable to deportation to countries where they may face torture or death (New York Times).

On the other hand, government officials, including Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security, hailed the decision as a victory for national security, arguing that it allows the government to exercise its authority to remove individuals deemed a threat (New York Times).

The sources used in this analysis include reputable news organizations and official court documents, which generally provide reliable information. However, the absence of a detailed explanation from the Supreme Court raises questions about the transparency of the decision-making process.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to deport immigrants to "third countries" without connections is accurate. The ruling permits deportations without the requirement for due process, as previously mandated by a lower court, raising significant legal and ethical concerns about the treatment of migrants.

Sources

1. Supreme Court Lets Trump Deport Migrants to Countries to Which They Have No Connection
2. SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
3. Supreme Court lifts limits on Trump deporting migrants to countries not their own
4. Supreme Court allows Trump to restart swift deportation of migrants
5. Returning to Supreme Court, Trump Accuses Judge of ...
6. Supreme Court clears way for third-country deportations for now
7. Supreme Court lets Trump administration resume deportations to third countries