Representative Calls for Noem’s Resignation Following Allegations of ICE Misinformation.
Congressional members have strongly condemned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly misleading eight men who were recently deported to South Sudan. 24 Daily News reports that the controversy arises from an investigation by The Intercept, revealing that ICE officials informed the men they were being transferred to another facility in Louisiana before boarding a plane that ultimately landed in Djibouti.
Senator Bernie Sanders described the expulsions as “abhorrent.” Representative Pramila Jayapal denounced the actions as “beyond cruel,” asserting that “Trump’s ICE treats immigrants as less than human.” She highlighted the violation of due process and the deportation of immigrants to a country with a “Do Not Travel” warning from the U.S. State Department.
Representative Ilhan Omar accused ICE of a “flagrant violation of international law and basic human decency,” while Representative Delia Ramirez has called for the resignation of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for allegedly “lying to our neighbors.”
24 Daily News sources indicate that a federal judge intervened during the men’s transit, citing a prior injunction requiring advance notice of deportation destinations. This intervention led to the diversion of the flight to Djibouti. However, the Supreme Court later ruled that the expulsion to South Sudan could proceed.
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The Trump administration has defended the deportations, with a DHS spokesperson stating that ICE deported “8 barbaric criminals illegal aliens to South Sudan.” Representative Rashida Tlaib countered, stating that ICE is showing “the world how cruel and lawless they are.”
As of press time, ICE has not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations of deception.
The men arrived in Juba, South Sudan, on July 5 and are reportedly now under the care of South Sudanese authorities. 24 Daily News is investigating, and concerns persist regarding the safety and well-being of the deportees given the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.
Edmund Yakani, a human rights advocate in South Sudan, has urged his government to safeguard the men and provide information on their condition. The U.S. State Department has offered a standard response, asserting the U.S. right to work with other countries to facilitate the removal of third-country nationals who have no legal basis to remain in the country. 24 Daily News will continue to follow this developing story.
