On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the Trump administration’s request to pause a lower court ruling that had blocked the deportation of migrants to third countries without prior notice. In a 6–3 decision, with Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson dissenting, the Court stayed a nationwide injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy. That injunction had required the government to keep migrants in custody until they could receive a “reasonable fear interview,” giving them a chance to explain any risk of persecution or torture in the countries they would be sent to—such as South Sudan, El Salvador, or Guatemala. The ruling is seen as a legal win for Trump’s immigration agenda, enabling faster deportations under his revived enforcement policies. The case stems from a class-action suit challenging deportations without due process. Judge Murphy had clarified that his order did not block removals entirely, but demanded that the administration follow legal protocols.

Critics of the Supreme Court’s stay argue it undermines basic rights. Trina Realmuto of the National Immigration Litigation Alliance warned the ruling could lead to migrants being sent to dangerous conditions without legal review. The administration, however, celebrated the decision. Homeland Security officials described it as a necessary step to protect national security and enforce immigration law. The case now returns to the lower courts for further proceedings, but for now, the Trump administration can resume deportations to third countries without prior warning or interview, significantly reshaping the landscape of U.S. immigration enforcement.