Key Takeaways
• Tuan Thanh Phan, from Pierce County, was deported to unrelated South Sudan on May 2025, sparking legal challenges.
• U.S. expanded expedited removals under new 2025 policy, enabling fast deportations without fair hearings.
• Judge Brian Murphy ordered U.S. officials to justify deportation to South Sudan and protect immigrant rights.
A Vietnamese man from Pierce County is at the center of a growing controversy after being deported not to his home country, but to South Sudan—a nation with which he has no ties. This unusual and troubling case highlights the risks and confusion that can arise from recent changes in United States 🇺🇸 immigration enforcement, especially under the current administration’s aggressive deportation policies. The story has sparked legal challenges, humanitarian concerns, and questions about the future of immigration law and practice in the United States 🇺🇸.
Who is involved, what happened, when, where, and why?
On May 26, 2025, Ngoc Phan, a resident of Pierce County, spoke publicly about her husband’s deportation to South Sudan at the offices of the Northwest Immigrant Rights organization. Her husband, Tuan Thanh Phan, had been convicted of serious crimes and served a long prison sentence. Although an immigration judge ordered his removal to Vietnam in 2009, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) instead placed him on a flight to South Sudan earlier this month. This action is part of a larger pattern of deportations to third countries, which has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts, immigrant advocates, and even federal judges.
The Deportation Flight: Who Was On Board?
The deportation flight that left the United States 🇺🇸 for South Sudan carried several people from different countries, most of whom had criminal convictions. The group included:
- Tuan Thanh Phan from Vietnam (the Pierce County man)
- Two men from Myanmar (Burma), including Nyo Myint, who had lived in Nebraska
- Two men from Cuba: Enrique Arias-Hierro and Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Quiñones
- A Mexican man named Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez
- Dian Peter Domach, a 33-year-old from South Sudan (the only deportee actually from South Sudan)
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these individuals had committed crimes described as “uniquely monstrous and barbaric.” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said, “no country on Earth wanted to accept them.” However, this view has been challenged by lawyers and advocates, who argue that deporting people to countries where they have no connection is both dangerous and potentially illegal.
Legal Challenges: Judge Orders Answers from U.S. Officials
The deportation of the Pierce County man and others to South Sudan did not go unnoticed by the courts. On May 21, 2025, U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy in Massachusetts ordered U.S. officials to appear at an emergency hearing. He demanded answers about why immigrants were being sent to South Sudan and other countries, especially when they had not been given a fair chance to object or explain why such a move could put them in danger.
Judge Murphy found that the White House had violated a court order by failing to give the eight migrants on the plane a “meaningful opportunity” to argue against their deportation. He ordered new interviews with the migrants, either back in the United States 🇺🇸 or abroad, to ensure their rights were respected. The judge also required the government to keep control of those being removed to South Sudan or any other third country, so they could be brought back if the removals were found to be unlawful.
Lawyers representing the deportees told the court that as many as a dozen people from several countries may have been sent to Africa, in violation of the court’s order. In one case, an immigration official in Texas confirmed by email that a man from Myanmar had been removed to a third country.
South Sudan’s Response: No Welcome for the Deportees
The government of South Sudan 🇸🇸 was surprised by the arrival of these deportees. Police spokesperson Major General James Monday Enoka said on May 22 that no migrants had arrived in the country. He added that if any did, they would be investigated and, if found not to be South Sudanese, “redeported to their correct country.” This statement raises serious questions about what will happen to people like the Pierce County man, who have no ties to South Sudan and may face further displacement or detention.
South Sudan is a country facing ongoing conflict and instability. Sending people there who have no family, community, or support system puts them at risk of harm, especially if the local authorities do not recognize them as citizens.
Background: Why Are People Being Deported to Third Countries?
The case of the Pierce County man being deported to South Sudan is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy under the second Trump administration. Since January 2025, the administration has:
- Declared a national emergency at the border
- Sent about 10,000 military personnel to help with immigration enforcement
- Expanded “expedited removal” nationwide, allowing for faster deportations
- Set a goal of deporting one million immigrants each year—more than three times the previous record
On January 21, 2025, DHS issued a notice called “Designating Aliens for Expedited Removal.” This policy allows immigration officers to quickly deport certain noncitizens arrested anywhere in the United States 🇺🇸 if they cannot prove they have lived in the country for more than two years. This process does not require a hearing before an immigration judge, which means people can be removed very quickly and may not have a chance to explain their situation or fight their case.
For more details on expedited removal and current policies, readers can visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) page on expedited removal.
Humanitarian Concerns: Risks for Deportees
Deporting people to countries where they have no ties or support can have serious consequences. In the case of the Pierce County man and others sent to South Sudan, they may face:
- Danger and instability: South Sudan is experiencing conflict and lacks basic services for newcomers.
- No family or community: Deportees may have no one to help them adjust or survive.
- Risk of further deportation: As South Sudan’s police have said, non-citizens could be sent away again, leading to a cycle of displacement.
These concerns are not limited to this case. There have been other troubling incidents under the current administration. In Louisiana, three U.S. citizen children were deported to Honduras with their undocumented mothers after attending routine check-ins with immigration authorities. One of these children, a 4-year-old boy with Stage 4 cancer, was removed without his medication or access to medical care.
Voluntary Self-Deportation: A New Approach
While forced deportations have increased, the administration has also introduced a voluntary self-deportation program. On May 5, 2025, DHS announced a new option for undocumented immigrants: they can receive financial and travel help to return to their home country using the CBP Home App. Those who choose this path can get a $1,000 stipend after their return is confirmed.
DHS claims this program will cut the cost of deportation by about 70 percent, compared to the average cost of $17,121 to arrest, detain, and remove an undocumented immigrant. This approach is meant to encourage people to leave on their own, rather than face arrest and forced removal.
Legal Rights and Immigration Forms
People facing deportation have certain legal rights, but these can be limited under expedited removal. Normally, someone ordered removed can appeal or ask for protection if they fear harm in their home country. However, under the new policies, many do not get a chance to see a judge or present their case.
If you or someone you know is facing removal, it is important to know about key forms and processes:
- Notice to Appear (Form I-862): This is the official document that starts removal proceedings. You can find the form on the USCIS website.
- Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal (Form I-589): This form is used to request protection if you fear harm in your home country. The official form is available here.
It is always best to consult with a qualified immigration attorney or a trusted legal aid organization if you receive any of these forms or are at risk of being deported.
Impact on Families and Communities
The deportation of the Pierce County man and others like him has a ripple effect on families and communities. Loved ones are left behind, often with little information about what happened or where their family member has gone. Children, spouses, and parents may lose their main source of support, leading to emotional and financial hardship.
Community organizations, such as the Northwest Immigrant Rights organization, play a key role in helping families understand their rights and options. They also advocate for fair treatment and humane policies, especially for those at risk of being deported to dangerous or unfamiliar places.
What Happens Next? The Legal Battle Continues
As of May 30, 2025, the legal fight over these deportations is still ongoing. Judge Murphy has ordered U.S. officials to provide information about the migrants affected, including when and how they learned they would be sent to a third country and what chance they had to raise concerns about their safety.
The judge’s ruling could have a major impact on how the United States 🇺🇸 handles deportations to third countries in the future. If the court finds that the government acted unlawfully, some or all of the deportees—including the Pierce County man—could be brought back to the United States 🇺🇸 for proper legal proceedings.
Broader Implications: What This Means for Immigration Policy
This case raises important questions about the direction of U.S. immigration policy:
- Are people being given a fair chance to defend themselves before being deported?
- Is it legal or humane to send people to countries where they have no ties and may face danger?
- How should the United States 🇺🇸 balance public safety concerns with the rights and dignity of immigrants?
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these issues are likely to remain at the center of the immigration debate for years to come. The outcome of the current legal challenges will shape not only the lives of those directly affected, but also the future of immigration enforcement and the rights of all noncitizens in the United States 🇺🇸.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Their Families
If you or someone you know is at risk of being deported—especially to a country where you have no ties—consider these steps:
- Seek legal help immediately. Contact a trusted immigration attorney or a local immigrant rights organization.
- Know your rights. Even under expedited removal, you may have the right to ask for protection if you fear harm in the country you are being sent to.
- Keep records. Save all documents, notices, and communications from immigration authorities.
- Stay informed. Policies and procedures can change quickly. Check official sources like USCIS.gov for updates.
- Reach out for support. Community groups can offer help with legal advice, translation, and emotional support.
Conclusion
The case of the Pierce County man deported to South Sudan shows how quickly and unpredictably immigration enforcement can change lives. As the legal battle continues, families, advocates, and officials are watching closely to see what will happen next. For now, the story serves as a warning about the risks of rapid deportation policies and the importance of protecting the rights and safety of all people, regardless of where they come from.
By staying informed and seeking help when needed, immigrants and their families can better protect themselves in a challenging and often confusing system. The outcome of this case will likely set important precedents for how the United States 🇺🇸 handles similar situations in the future.
Learn Today
Expedited Removal → A policy allowing rapid deportation of noncitizens without court hearings under certain conditions.
Immigration Judge → An official who oversees removal proceedings and legal cases related to immigration status.
Third Country → A nation other than the immigrant’s home country or the country where removal occurs.
Deportation → The formal removal of a noncitizen from a country for legal or immigration reasons.
Legal Aid Organization → An agency providing free or low-cost legal assistance to immigrants facing deportation.
This Article in a Nutshell
A Pierce County man was wrongly deported to South Sudan amid expanded U.S. expedited removals. This case highlights legal battles, human risks, and questions about immigration enforcement fairness under aggressive policies, revealing dangers of deporting people to countries with no ties or safety guarantees.
— By VisaVerge.com
