A federal judge has put a temporary stop to the deportation of Asian migrants to Libya, following legal concerns and claims of procedural unfairness.
Quick Takes
- A federal judge halted deportations to Libya amid legal concerns.
- Libyan authorities deny any involvement in coordinating deported migrants.
- Migrants from countries including the Philippines and Vietnam were affected.
Judge Halts Deportations
U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy ruled that deporting Asian migrants to Libya—either directly or through stopover flights—would breach existing court orders if the allegations brought by the migrants’ lawyers were validated. The motion followed an urgent appeal from attorneys representing migrants from nations including Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines, who claimed deportations occurred without due notice.
Lawyers for the migrants alleged that they were pressured into signing removal agreements without proper legal procedures. Reports also indicated that some migrants in South Texas had been informed of plans to deport them to Libya.
Libya’s Stance
Libya is considered a dangerous destination due to persistent civil unrest, terrorism, and crime, raising significant human rights issues. Libya’s Government of National Unity and Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army, which controls eastern Libya, both rejected any cooperation with the U.S. regarding deportations, citing national sovereignty.
The Department of Homeland Security has not confirmed or commented on the deportations, and the Trump administration has yet to issue a statement. This lack of response raises questions about the current administration’s immigration policy and its adherence to court rulings.
BREAKING: Immigrant rights advocates ask federal judge in Boston to halt reportedly imminent deportation flight taking 3rd-country nationals to Libya. "Libya has a long record of extreme human rights violations," the attorneys say. Doc: https://t.co/r408TjjRGj
— Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein) May 7, 2025
Political and Legal Implications
Judge Murphy emphasized the necessity of prior written notification and opportunities for migrants to present fear-based claims before deportation. The ruling is part of an ongoing lawsuit challenging past deportation practices to third countries. Meanwhile, Libya was one of several countries the previous administration considered for migrant deportations.
The future actions of the Department of Homeland Security remain ambiguous, though more legal battles concerning immigration policy are anticipated. The case continues to draw concern over procedural fairness, national sovereignty, and human rights.
Sources:
- Judge Says Trump Deportations to Libya, Saudi Arabia Violate Court Order – Newsweek
- US judge blocks plan to deport migrants to Libya
- Judge blocks deportation flight of Asian migrants to Libya
