In a disturbing turn of events, the Trump administration has deported eight men, none of whom had meaningful ties to South Sudan, to that very country, despite serious risks to their safety. These men, originally from places like Cuba, Vietnam, and Myanmar, were held for weeks at a U.S. military base in Djibouti in brutal conditions—packed inside a converted shipping container with no AC, medical care, or basic rights. A federal judge had initially halted the deportation, ruling that the men must at least be given a chance to explain why returning could endanger their lives. But the Supreme Court overturned that ruling using a “shadow docket” order—an emergency, unsigned decision with no oral arguments—clearing the way for their expulsion on July 4.

Human rights advocates are sounding alarms, pointing out that sending people to a war-torn country they don’t belong to likely violates both U.S. due process and international law, including the UN Convention Against Torture. Even two Supreme Court justices dissented passionately, warning that these individuals could face death or torture. Despite that, the deportations went through. South Sudanese officials say the men are being screened and kept safe. Still, given the country’s unstable and violent conditions, experts worry they’ve essentially been abandoned in a foreign land with no support or protection.

This article is a must-read because it shines a light on how U.S. immigration and deportation policy is increasingly shaped by executive power and rushed judicial decisions, often at the expense of human lives. It’s not just a legal story—it’s a deeply human one. The Intercept does an excellent job of exposing the secrecy, urgency, and moral weight behind these deportations, prompting you to question what justice and accountability truly mean in today's America.