U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) now has the power to deport migrants to countries other than their homeland with just six hours' notice, according to reports by American media based on a newly released memo from a senior official in the Trump administration.
Earlier, ICE was required to wait at least 24 hours after informing migrants of their removal to a “third country.” But a memo dated July 9, written by acting ICE director Todd Lyons, shows that this rule has changed. In “urgent situations,” deportations can now happen in a much shorter timeframe.
According to the memo, ICE can send migrants to nations that have agreed not to torture or persecute them. These deportations don’t need further court approval or extra legal reviews.
This new policy reflects the Trump administration’s effort to fast-track deportations, even if it means sending migrants to unfamiliar countries around the world.
Back in June, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the administration to continue these types of removals. The decision lifted a lower court’s block that had required officials to first verify whether the migrant had fear of persecution in the third country.
Following that ruling, ICE quickly deported eight individuals from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Sudan, and Vietnam—all sent to South Sudan. Additionally, reports say U.S. officials have recently approached five African countries—Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon—asking them to accept deportees from other regions.
Supporters of the policy, including Trump administration officials, argue that it helps remove individuals who should not be in the U.S.—especially those with criminal backgrounds—more quickly and efficiently.
However, many critics see it as harsh and unsafe. They worry it could force people into unfamiliar countries where they may not be safe, have no local ties, or even speak the language.
Trina Realmuto, an attorney representing a group fighting these third-country deportations in court, criticized the move. She said the latest policy “falls far short of providing the statutory and due process protections that the law requires.”
