Context:

A federal judge has ruled that deportation flights to Libya would breach a court order if the Trump administration does not notify the affected illegal immigrants and their attorneys in advance. Despite no confirmed deportations, lawyers representing immigrants from various countries claim their clients were informed of impending deportations to Libya or Saudi Arabia. The court emphasized the necessity of prior written notice and the opportunity to raise fear-based claims as per a preliminary injunction from April 2025. The Libyan government denied any deportation deal with the U.S., although there are concerns about potential agreements with other Libyan factions. The Trump administration is exploring deportations to other third countries, but specific plans remain unconfirmed, with the Department of Homeland Security unable to verify media reports about flights to Libya.

Dive Deeper:

• The federal court ruling mandates that any deportations to Libya or Saudi Arabia require prior notification to the affected individuals and their legal representatives, ensuring they have a chance to contest their removal based on fear-based claims, such as protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT).

• Immigration attorneys have raised alarms over reports that illegal immigrants from Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines were informed of their imminent deportation to Libya or Saudi Arabia by immigration enforcement agents, despite no official confirmation from the Trump administration.

• U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy, appointed by former President Joe Biden, upheld the need for a temporary restraining order to prevent deportations without due process, referencing a preliminary injunction that stipulates written notice and the opportunity for legal counsel.

• Libya's government, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, denied any agreement with the U.S. for deportations, although concerns were raised about potential deals with the rival administration in eastern Libya, controlled by military commander Khalifa Hifter.

• The Trump administration is reportedly considering deporting individuals to other third countries, such as El Salvador, Panama, and Costa Rica, where they are not citizens, but specifics about these plans remain vague, with the Department of Homeland Security unable to confirm such reports.

• A CNN report cited a scheduled flight from San Antonio, Texas, to Misrata Airport in Libya, allegedly involving deportations, though official details remain unclear, and the Associated Press mentioned an anonymous U.S. official discussing military flights without specific timings.

• The State Department refrained from discussing diplomatic communications related to deportations, maintaining a position of non-disclosure regarding the details of international arrangements or agreements concerning immigration enforcement.