U. S. Judge Questions Government's Role in Risky Deportations

A federal judge has raised serious concerns about the U.S. government's recent deportation actions.

Judge Accuses Administration of Bypassing Legal Protections

Judge Tanya Chutkan accused the administration of trying to bypass legal protections for individuals fleeing persecution. This came after a group of African migrants, including those from Gambia and Nigeria, were sent to Ghana. Some of these individuals now face the risk of being returned to their home countries, where they might face harm.

Judge Orders Explanation from U.S. Government

The judge ordered the U.S. government to explain its plans to prevent these deportees from being sent back to countries where they could be persecuted or tortured. This issue stems from the U.S. deporting over a dozen non-Ghanaian nationals to Ghana. Ghana confirmed these deportations, but the situation has raised legal and ethical questions.

Allegations of Poor Conditions and Imminent Deportations

Attorneys representing the deportees claim that these individuals are being held in poor conditions, guarded by armed military personnel. They also allege that four deportees have been informed they will be returned to their native countries as early as Monday. This is despite U.S. immigration judges' orders protecting them from such deportations due to fears of persecution or torture.

Legal Protections and International Conventions

The legal protections these deportees have are based on international conventions and U.S. immigration laws. These protections prevent the U.S. from sending individuals to countries where they would face harm. However, unlike asylum, they allow the U.S. to send them to third-party countries.

Justice Department's Acknowledgment and Limitations

The Justice Department acknowledged that Ghana might be violating its assurances not to send these migrants to dangerous places. But it claimed the U.S. has no control over Ghana's actions.

Judge's Frustration and Proposed Solutions

Judge Chutkan expressed frustration, suggesting the U.S. government knew this could happen and was trying to bypass legal protections. She proposed several solutions, including retrieving the deportees or pressuring Ghana to honor its agreements. However, she acknowledged that her options might be limited since the deportees are not on U.S. soil.

ACLU Praises Judge's Order

The ACLU, representing the deportees, praised the judge's order, stating that the U.S. government cannot ignore the potential danger these individuals face. The Departments of State and Homeland Security have not commented on the situation or the judge's order.