South Sudan confirms arrival of eight immigrants deported from US
The eight men from Laos, Cuba, Myanmar, Mexico, Vietnam, and South Sudan were deported from the US in May but ended up being held under guard for weeks at an American military base in Djibouti following a legal battle.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in South Sudan has confirmed the arrival in Juba of eight immigrants deported from the US over national security threats.
"On July 5, 2025, eight individuals, including one South Sudanese, arrived at Juba International Airport following standard deportation procedures undertaken by the Government of the United States of America. In line with its sovereign responsibilities and established procedures, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan received these individuals through the appropriate national institutions," the statement said.
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The eight men from Laos, Cuba, Myanmar, Mexico, Vietnam, and South Sudan were deported from the US in May but ended up being held under guard for weeks at an American military base in Djibouti following a legal battle in which a federal judge had declared that the government had acted in violation of a court order on deportations by not allowing them a chance to challenge the deportation that "would put them in danger".
Last week, a federal judge cleared the way for their relocation, paving the way for their entry to Juba, where local authorities are holding them.
"They are currently in Juba under the care of the relevant authorities, who are screening them and ensuring that their safety and well-being are protected under South Sudanese laws and applicable international norms and practices," the statement adds.
The eight include Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez from Mexico, 33-year-old Dian Peter Domach from South Sudan, Nyo Myint and Kyaw Mya both from Myanmar, 48-year-old Thongxay Nilakpout from Laos, Tuan Thanh Phan from Vietnam, as well as Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Quinones and Enrique Arias-Hierro from Cuba, who had been convicted of violent crimes in the US, including murder, robbery, possession of a firearm, Lascivious acts with a child, arson, kidnapping, falsely impersonating an officer of the law, assault, and so forth.
While some human rights organisations questioned the move, Juba defended their deportation to the country, saying it occurred in the context of its ongoing bilateral engagement with the US, adding that it was a well-thought-out decision reflecting the country's enduring commitment to the principles of international cooperation and humanitarian responsibility.
It added that South Sudan acknowledges the historical, political, and liberation linkages shared between them and the countries of origin of some of the deportees.
"As part of a broader framework of cooperation, both countries continue to engage constructively and with good faith on a range of matters, including political, economic, investment, security, humanitarian, and consular-related issues, among others. This engagement aims at normalising relations, deepening bilateral cooperation, and addressing issues of mutual concern and interest," the statement adds.
The AP reported that the case comes amid a sweeping immigration crackdown by the Republican administration, which has pledged to deport millions of people who are living in the United States illegally.
"The legal fight is the latest flashpoint as the administration rails against judges whose rulings have slowed the president's policies," added the news agency.
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