The Supreme Court had ruled earlier the same day to allow the Trump administration to deport these migrants to third-party countries, such as South Sudan, after their home countries refused to accept them. This decision lifted a prior injunction by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy, who had permitted migrants to challenge deportations on grounds of imminent danger.

However, Murphy subsequently blocked the deportations of eight migrants detained at a U.S. naval base in Djibouti, referencing dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s opinion rather than the Court’s majority ruling. Sotomayor had argued that Murphy’s remedial orders should not have been reviewed by the Supreme Court because the government had not appealed them.

The migrants’ lawyers argued that none of the eight had final removal orders to South Sudan and were being denied procedural rights and protections guaranteed by Congress and the Constitution. They warned these individuals faced risks of indefinite detention and torture if deported to the volatile region.

In response, Trump administration lawyers condemned Murphy’s ruling as an “unprecedented defiance” of the Supreme Court that disrupts diplomatic relations and halts the Executive Branch’s lawful removal efforts. Solicitor General John Sauer urged the Court to declare Murphy’s order unenforceable and end the harm caused by ongoing delays.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller predicted escalating tensions, saying on Fox News that Murphy’s refusal to comply with the Supreme Court would lead to significant consequences when the judge is held accountable in Boston.

The dispute highlights ongoing conflicts between lower courts and the Supreme Court on immigration enforcement and separation of powers.