U.S. Supreme Court lets quick deportations to third countries resume for now
The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to continue its policy of deporting migrants to third countries while the court reviews the legality of the practice. The policy, which has affected thousands, is being challenged by advocates who argue it violates the rights of migrants to seek asylum.
Why it matters
This ruling impacts the administration's broader immigration enforcement strategy and raises significant legal and humanitarian questions regarding the treatment of asylum seekers.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (September 29, 2026) let President Donald Trump's administration continue deporting people to countries other than their own for now, while the justices consider whether the policy is legal.
The high court said it will hear arguments in December on the policy. Lower courts found migrants must have a meaningful chance to object before being sent to countries where they have no ties.
The apparent 6-3 order halts an appeals court ruling for now.
Federal attorneys said the lower-court decision forced the cancellation of a deportation flight carrying about 70 people bound for three countries.
The justices previously allowed the deportation flights, a core Trump administration policy, to temporarily continue when the case came before them last year.
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