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Trump's government intends to expel immigrants to Libya and other nations

U.S. officials are reportedly in discussions to transport deported migrants to Libya, with a potential start date this week. The Trump administration is seeking cooperation from countries willing to accept these migrants.

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U.S. authorities are rumored to transport migrants to Libya, reportedly commencing by this week....
U.S. authorities are rumored to transport migrants to Libya, reportedly commencing by this week. Diplomatic discussions with countries open to accepting migrants expelled from the U.S. have been underway.

Trump's government intends to expel immigrants to Libya and other nations

Rewritten Article:

Hey there! Here's the lowdown on the Trump administration's plans to ship migrants to Libya – you read it right!

STEFAN KEYS, HOST:

Yeah, you heard it. U.S. officials have been hammering out deals with various countries to see which ones are willing to take in people booted out of the United States.

LEILA WILSON, HOST:

That's right. We've got NPR's immigration reporter, Ximena Bustillo, joining us to spill the beans on this controversial tale. Hi, Ximena!

XIMENA BUSTILLO, REPORTER: Hey there!

WILSON: So, what's the lowdown on this Libya plan?

BUSTILLO: Well, it looks like yesterday, our colleague Tom Bowman confirmed that administration officials are considering making Libya a drop-off spot for migrants they're shipping out of the U.S. Rwanda's foreign minister also mentioned they were discussing the same issue with Washington. And hey, let's not forget those previous deals with Mexico and El Salvador. This relocation to Libya would be orchestrated by the U.S. military, but it's not clear how many people or nationalities would be affected. President Trump claimed ignorance on the matter, stating reporters should talk to the Department of Homeland Security. However, they didn't respond to NPR's requests for confirmation of the plans.

WILSON: Hmm, sounds like there's already some court action trying to put a stop to these military flights. What's the skinny on that situation?

BUSTILLO: A judge in Massachusetts has issued an injunction that thwarts the Homeland Security department from relocating migrants to third countries – which means countries that aren't their home country. However, the administration has found creative workarounds by enlisting other agencies, like the Defense Department, to depart migrants from the U.S. Lawyers for the migrants filed an emergency motion yesterday, begging the same judge to again halt removals to Libya or any overseas country. These lawyers stated their clients – hailing from Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines – could be deported in mere hours. Last night, the judge issued another order that sets boundaries for any agency, including the Pentagon, from relocating migrants to third countries unless they get prior notice and an opportunity to challenge their deportation.

WILSON: So, there's a legal kink in the court, and it appears that Libya isn't the safest place to park migrants. Have any other concerns been raised about this plan?

BUSTILLO: First off, Libya has been in constant turmoil since the civil war that ousted Muammar Gaddafi some 15 years ago. The country is currently struggling with a military commander controlling the eastern half and a U.N.-backed government commanding the western half. And fun fact, both governments have publicly denounced this migrant plan, with Libya having a less than desirable human rights record.

WILSON: Yeah, this isn't the first deal the White House has struck with other countries. We've reported on the U.S. plunking down $6 million for El Salvador to house migrants expelled from the U.S. in a massive prison there. What's the purpose of these agreements?

BUSTILLO: The primary goal is to deposit migrants farther away to prevent them from wandering back across U.S. borders. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that's the objective[5]. However, there are numerous practical implications. Approximately 1.4 million immigrants have outstanding deportation orders[2]. But various challenges face sending them back to their original countries because their home nations might not approve or may have restrictions on departing flights from the U.S. This has caused problems for past administrations, as it means that even if someone has a final removal order, they might not actually be booted. But the Trump administration aims to step up the pace of expulsions by finding more places for people to go. If Libya isn't an option, other countries will likely take its place.

WILSON: Ximena Bustillo, thanks for filling us in!

BUSTILLO: My pleasure!

(Now for the fun part: Here's a dash of background info to deepen your understanding)

Enrichment Data:

Overall:

The Trump administration is reportedly planning to deport migrants to Libya, a move that has sparked both legal and humanitarian concerns. Here's the 411 on this contentious matter:

Current Situation

  • Deportation Plan: The Trump administration may initiate deportations to Libya as soon as this week, with the U.S. military reportedly handling these proceedings[1][2].
  • Legal Challenges: Attorneys have filed an emergency motion to halt these flights, citing a previous court ruling that prohibits deportations to third-party countries without prior notification and legal challenge opportunities[4].
  • Libya's Response: Libya has publicly refuted any agreement with the U.S. regarding the acceptance of deported migrants[1][5].

Deportation Details

  • Countries Involved: The U.S. has been engaged in talks with multiple African countries to remember migrants from third countries. However, it remains uncertain which nations have finalized these agreements[2].
  • Humanitarian Concerns: Libya is currently experiencing deep political and social turmoil, earning a Level 4 travel advisory from the State Department due to safety concerns stemming from violent crime, terrorism, landmines, civil strife, kidnappings, and conflict[2].
  • National Origins: Sources report that migrants from Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines are potential candidates for deportation[4][5].
  • Criticism: The proposal has received criticism from political figures and human rights groups, who deem it inhuman, unethical, and potentially illegal[3].
  • Legal Obstacles: The deportations are being questioned because they may violate a court order requiring proper notification and legal opportunities for migrants before being relocated to countries not listed on their removal orders[4].
  1. The controversial plan by the Trump administration to deport migrants to Libya, despite concerns over Libya's political instability and human rights record, raises questions about the government's policy-and-legislation regarding migrant relocation.
  2. The ongoing legal battle in a Massachusetts court, in which lawyers for migrants are challenging the administration's policy of relocating migrants to third countries like Libya, highlights the intersection of politics, policy-and-legislation, and general-news.

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