On Independence Day, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the successful deportation of eight criminal illegal aliens to South Sudan after facing extensive delays attributed to what they described as “activist judges.” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted the dangers posed by these individuals, stating that they were so heinous that even their countries of origin would not accept them. The deportation process had been hindered by lower court rulings, which the Supreme Court eventually overturned, allowing enforcement of the Trump administration’s third-country removal policy. These individuals had been held in Djibouti while awaiting resolution of their legal challenges.
The eight deported individuals were noted for their severe criminal backgrounds, raising significant concern for public safety. Among them was Enrique Arias-Hierro, a Cuban national, convicted of serious offenses including homicide and armed robbery, while another Cuban, Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Quinones, faced convictions for attempted murder, battery, and drug trafficking. The group included individuals from various nationalities, with some having been sentenced to life imprisonment or long terms for their crimes, demonstrating the threat they posed to American communities.
Other notable deportees included Thongxay Nilakout from Laos, who was convicted of first-degree murder, and Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez from Mexico, also convicted of second-degree murder. South Sudanese national Dian Peter Domach had multiple convictions related to robbery and gun offenses, while two Burmese individuals, Kyaw Mya and Nyo Myint, faced grave sexual and assault-related charges. Vietnamese national Tuan Thanh Phan was convicted of first-degree murder, further illustrating the violent nature of their crimes.
McLaughlin emphasized that these cases extend beyond mere immigration issues; they directly threaten American safety. She expressed relief at the Supreme Court decision, which enabled the completion of the deportation mission that had been stalled by judicial interventions. The DHS portrayed this event as a reaffirmation of the rule of law and a necessary step towards ensuring the safety and security of communities across the nation.
In addition to addressing the legal aspects of the deportations, the statement by DHS included gratitude for the ICE officers who had been affected by court-imposed delays, thanking them for their commitment to public safety. McLaughlin’s rhetoric indicated a strong stance against judicial actions perceived to impede law enforcement efforts, characterizing the judges’ decisions as influenced by far-left activism.
The White House had yet to provide a formal response regarding the deportations at the time of the announcement. The DHS maintained that its mission to uphold the law and protect American freedoms would continue, showcasing a firm pushback against what they termed as efforts to return dangerous individuals to the U.S. The deportation of these eight men underscored contentious issues surrounding immigration law and public safety, reflecting broader national debates on how to address and manage individuals with violent criminal histories.
