Court blocks rapid third-country deportations

A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that immigrants must receive notice and a meaningful chance to contest deportation to third countries before removal.

Trump administration seeks Supreme Court intervention

On Thursday, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to immediately freeze the lower court order blocking swift deportations to third countries different from migrants' origin.

Solicitor General cites operational disruption

Solicitor General D. John Sauer said the court order forced the Department of Homeland Security to cancel a flight carrying seventy people with criminal convictions to three separate countries.

“The unexpected springing-back of district court's order has, this Office is informed, created substantial logistical problems with ongoing removal operations, including the cancellation of flights, and led to added expense, potential diplomatic issues, and the inability to remove dangerous criminals.”

Migrants deported to high-risk nations

ABC News previously interviewed Latin American men deported to the Central African Republic, classified by the U.S. as an extreme-risk destination due to armed conflict and terrorism threats.

Court rules on due process rights

Circuit Court Judge Seth Aframe wrote that an individual's right to contest removal means little without prior notice of the destination and a meaningful opportunity to challenge it.

“An individual's right to contest removal to a country based on a fear of persecution in that country means little if one does not receive prior notice of the intended removal destination and a meaningful opportunity to contest that destination.”

Twenty-five thousand already deported

About twenty-five thousand people have been deported to third countries during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, according to the immigrant rights organization Human Rights First.

Attorney General defends Supreme Court appeal

Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Thursday that the U.S. would take the case to the Supreme Court, calling third-country removals an entirely legal and invaluable tool to stem illegal immigration.

“Without even allowing the government a chance to respond, and in the dark of night, a federal appeals court blocked us from conducting all third-country removals of illegal aliens, an entirely legal and invaluable tool to stem the tide of illegal immigration.”