Judge Orders U.S. to Return Deported Mexican Man, Citing Torture Risk and Due Process Violations
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 24
Judge Orders U.S. to Return Deported Mexican Man, Citing Torture Risk and Due Process Violations
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 24
Summary
A Maryland federal judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately bring back a Mexican man deported this month after an immigration court had found he likely faced torture if returned.
Judge Stephanie Gallagher said the government likely violated his procedural due process rights when it revoked protections that had barred his removal and exceeded its lawful authority.
John Doe — a man in his late 40s — had testified against Mexican drug cartels and given U.S. law enforcement information that put him and his family at significant risk, according to the order.
ICE's leadership reversed his protections after the State Department obtained diplomatic assurances from Mexico that he would not be harmed, a rationale also used this summer in other blocked torture-risk deportations.
The ruling adds to legal setbacks for Trump's mass deportation push as his administration faces pressure from supporters to speed removals.