Appeals court rejects Trump's third-country deportation policy, says detainees are entitled to more due process

Key Points:

• A federal appeals court ruled that U.S. immigration officials must provide detainees a meaningful opportunity to contest deportations to third countries where they have no ties, striking down key aspects of the Trump administration's "third-country" deportation policy.
• The policy allowed deportations to third countries without notice if the State Department assured no persecution or torture would occur, but the court found this violated due process rights by denying detainees prior notice and a chance to contest.
• The ruling largely upheld a lower court decision condemning the policy and emphasized that individuals must be informed and able to challenge removal destinations based on fear of persecution.
• The Department of Homeland Security stated the policy remains in effect pending further appeals, and the case is expected to be taken to the Supreme Court.
• The policy has resulted in over 25,000 deportations to third countries, including controversial removals to nations like Liberia, often without detainees being informed or given an opportunity to challenge their deportation.