An internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) memo indicates that the United States may begin deporting migrants to third countries without confirming that the destinations are safe, potentially within six hours of notice. According to the Washington Post, the policy, influenced by a recent Supreme Court ruling, allows for rapid deportations bypassing standard procedures such as 24-hour notice periods and mandatory screening processes. Critics, including immigration attorneys, have condemned the policy as rushed and dangerous, citing the potential risk to migrants’ lives.
The United States could begin deporting migrants to third countries ‘immediately’ without confirming whether the destination is safe for them, the Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing an internal ICE memo. US President Donald Trump has made immigration a core issue of his policy since returning to office, accusing his predecessor Joe Biden of enabling mass illegal immigration. The memo was interpreted as allowing deportations even if the destination country hasn’t offered ‘diplomatic assurances’ against torture or persecution.
In standard cases, migrants will receive 24 hours’ notice before being deported, and ICE officers won’t ask deportees their views on where they’re being sent. However, if the screening concludes that there are no grounds to challenge the deportation in court, the migrant may then be deported elsewhere. The policy is also being challenged by immigration attorneys who argue it is inadequate to prevent unlawful removals. The recent Supreme Court decision lifted a previous ruling that had deemed the policy unconstitutional, allowing deportations to continue as per the new guidelines outlined in the ICE memo.
Trump’s policies have sparked nationwide protests and violent riots in Los Angeles, prompting him to deploy National Guard troops to the city. Despite the protests, Trump signed a bill allocating $100 billion to ICE for detentions, deportations, and the completion of the Mexico border wall. The memo also highlights that if the State Department deems a country’s safety assurances credible, deportees may be sent without prior notice or appeal opportunities. Critics, including immigration attorneys, have condemned the policy as rushed and dangerous, citing the potential risk to migrants’ lives. Neither ICE nor the Department of Homeland Security has responded to requests for comment from the Washington Post.