WASHINGTON, USA — A federal judge on Thursday, May 22, 2025, ruled that President Donald Trump’s administration violated a standing court order by attempting to deport a group of migrants to South Sudan with insufficient notice, a decision that marks one of the sternest judicial rebukes of the administration’s immigration policies since Trump returned to office in January.
U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy said during a hearing that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had disregarded a preliminary injunction he issued in April.
That injunction prohibits the deportation of individuals to countries other than their country of origin unless they are given adequate time to contest the removal.
According to the judge, seven migrants were informed by DHS late Monday night that they could be deported to South Sudan—less than 24 hours before they were due to be placed on a removal flight.
“The department’s actions in this case are unquestionably violative of this court’s order,” Judge Murphy stated.
He did not specify immediate penalties but made clear that further consequences could follow.
“Officials who were involved in the illegal deportation should be on notice that they risk criminal contempt,” Murphy warned.
The ruling delivered a significant setback to the Trump administration’s escalating deportation campaign, part of the president’s broader pledge to crack down on illegal immigration through expanded enforcement powers and expedited removals.
The White House, however, pushed back against the court’s decision.
In a statement released Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the administration accused Judge Murphy of overstepping judicial boundaries, labelling him among “activist judges” whom it claimed are “advocating the release of dangerous criminals.”
The clash underscores the tension between federal courts and the executive branch over immigration enforcement under the current administration.
Since January, President Trump has reintroduced hard-line immigration policies, many of which have faced stiff legal challenges.
Thursday’s hearing marks a pivotal moment in ongoing litigation over deportation practices, particularly as the administration seeks to broaden its reach in targeting migrants for removal.
It remains unclear whether the court will impose sanctions or compel the administration to recall any migrants already deported under the challenged notice.
Legal experts suggest the ruling could set a precedent for further restrictions on how federal agencies handle deportation procedures.
As of Thursday night, DHS had not issued a public response to the court’s decision.
