Trump's Shadow Detainees Are Secret Prisons Back?

Trump Administration's Deportation Gambit: A Tangled Web of Due Process and International Intrigue

The Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement has once again sparked controversy, this time involving the attempted deportation of eight men with criminal convictions to South Sudan. The story, pieced together by The New York Times, reveals a chaotic operation, legal challenges, and questions about due process.

At the heart of the matter are eight individuals, all convicted of serious crimes in the United States, who found themselves under guard at Camp Lemonnier, a U.S. military base in Djibouti. These men, immigrants from various countries, were initially slated for deportation to South Sudan, a country embroiled in conflict.

The situation took a dramatic turn when a federal judge in Boston intervened, halting the deportation, at least temporarily. This intervention set the stage for a constitutional battle over the extent of due process rights afforded to immigrants, even those with criminal records.

Here's a breakdown of the key elements:

• The Detainees: Eight men, convicted of serious crimes in the U.S., originating from diverse countries.
• The Destination: Initially South Africa, then abruptly changed to war-torn South Sudan.
• The Delay: A federal judge's order halted the deportation due to concerns about inadequate notice and opportunity to object.
• The Location: Camp Lemonnier, a U.S. military base in Djibouti, serving as an unexpected holding facility.

The journey of these men from South Texas to Djibouti reads like a surreal saga. Originally informed of deportation to South Africa, they were later told they were being sent to South Sudan, with limited documentation provided. One detainee recounted that the officers informed them that they didn't bring the forms because they knew no one would sign them anyway.

According to court documents, all of the men had been convicted of violent crimes, and had 'orders of removal', meaning the government had the legal authority to deport them. Ahmer Shaikh, a native of Pakistan, had been sentenced to 20 years in prison for second-degree murder for his role in a fatal assault.

The judge, Brian E. Murphy of the District of Massachusetts, ruled that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had provided the men with less than 24 hours' notice before deportation, violating a court order mandating a "meaningful opportunity" to voice fears of torture.

The implications of this case extend beyond immigration law. Sarah Sherman-Stokes, a professor at Boston University School of Law, suggests this is a test of how much erosion of due process voters will tolerate. "What he’s trying now with the least sympathetic people, noncitizens who have been convicted of crimes, is a test of how much deplorable treatment and erosion of due process voters will stomach."

The Trump administration defended its actions, emphasizing the severity of the detainees' crimes. However, critics argue that even individuals with criminal records are entitled to due process under the law.

One poignant aspect of the story is the personal impact on the families involved. Ngoc Phan, the wife of detainee Tuan Thanh Phan, expressed her dismay at her husband's situation. Despite his past crime, she believed he deserved a more humane and transparent process. According to a police report, Mr. Phan, who was 18 at the time of his crime, said he “just shot into the crowd.” He pleaded guilty but said in court that he had acted in self-defense.

The situation at Camp Lemonnier is far from ideal. ICE officers are working long hours, facing health risks, and dealing with logistical challenges. The military was given limited notice of the operation, adding to the complexity.

Adding another layer to the unfolding legal drama, the administration has appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking permission to proceed with the deportations to South Sudan. The Supreme Court could rule at any time, according to the DHS.

The case of these eight men in Djibouti raises profound questions about the balance between national security, immigration enforcement, and fundamental human rights. It underscores the complexities of deportation policies and the need for a system that is both effective and just.

The story is a stark reminder that even in the pursuit of security, the principles of due process and human dignity must be upheld. The world watches as the courts grapple with these critical issues, their decisions shaping the future of immigration law and the very definition of justice.

Tags: Djibouti, US military, Deportation, Camp Lemonnier, Trump administration, South Sudan, Immigrants, ICE, Homeland Security, Federal judge

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/06/06/us/trump-news