A Biden-appointed judge, Brian Murphy, is facing criticism after blocking the deportation of eight migrants, despite a same-day Supreme Court ruling that authorized their removal to third-party countries such as South Sudan. The Supreme Court had overturned Murphy’s earlier injunction, which allowed migrants to challenge deportations based on the risk of imminent danger. In his latest order, Murphy cited Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s dissenting opinion, arguing that the Supreme Court should not have reviewed his original ruling, as the government had not properly appealed it. Lawyers representing the migrants claim that none of the eight individuals had final removal orders and warned they face serious threats of torture or indefinite detention if deported.

The Trump administration denounced Murphy’s ruling as a clear act of defiance against the Supreme Court and an obstruction of lawful executive authority. Solicitor General John Sauer called for Murphy’s order to be declared unenforceable to prevent further diplomatic and legal complications. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller echoed these concerns in a Fox News interview, warning of significant consequences for Murphy’s refusal to comply. The incident has fueled renewed debate over the separation of powers and highlighted growing tensions between district courts and the Supreme Court on immigration enforcement. It also underscores concerns about judicial overreach and the challenges faced by the executive branch in implementing immigration policy amid conflicting legal interpretations from lower courts.