Trump administration asks Supreme Court to lift restrictions on third-country deportations

The Trump administration filed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court on September 25, 2026, seeking to lift a federal injunction that restricts the deportation of undocumented immigrants to third countries. The government's legal counsel, John Sauer, argued that current judicial limitations create significant logistical chaos and hinder the ability to deport dangerous foreign criminals, noting that the Department of Homeland Security has already been forced to cancel a flight to three countries involving 70 individuals.

This legal challenge follows an appellate court ruling on September 18, which upheld a February decision by Boston-based federal judge Brian Murphy. Judge Murphy had ruled that individuals facing deportation to countries other than their nations of origin must be permitted to challenge such measures by citing the risk of persecution or torture. The administration maintains that the ability to utilize third-country transfers is an essential tool for national security and border management.

The Supreme Court, which holds a conservative majority, is now tasked with reviewing the government's request to stay the lower court's decision. The administration claims that the existing legal hurdles are preventing the effective removal of individuals it deems to be the most dangerous foreign offenders currently in the country.