Lawsuit
Published on March 23, 2025
Human Rights First and co-counsel NILA and NWIRP are challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) egregious policy of deporting noncitizens that are subject to final removal orders to countries never previously identified as potential destinations (third countries) without meaningful notice or an opportunity to challenge the removal for fear of persecution, torture, and/or death in the third country. We are also challenging DHS’s February 18, 2025 policy directive which ordered the review of all cases in which noncitizens had been previously released from immigration detention – for purposes of re-detention and potential removal to third countries.
Plaintiffs represent a nationwide class of similarly situated individuals at risk of deportation to a third country without having been afforded the due process guarantees and other avenues for relief provided under federal law. Since filing this lawsuit in March 2025, Plaintiffs have battled the Trump administration’s repeated attempts to effectuate third country removals while this litigation is pending. DHS has removed or sought to remove individuals to war-torn countries, countries in which they have been imprisoned, and to countries that have effectuated chain refoulement by subsequently returning them to countries in which they face persecution or torture. Preliminary issues in the case have been litigated on appeal up to the Supreme Court. Judicial proceedings on the merits of the action continue.
Contact your members of Congress and urge them to reject measures that terrorize and harm vulnerable people seeking safety.
