A Guatemalan man, referred to as O.C.G., has been ordered to return to the U.S. by a federal judge due to concerns over due process after being deported by the Trump administration.

O.C.G. expressed fears about returning to Mexico, citing traumatic experiences of rape and extortion while seeking asylum there.

Judge Murphy noted that O.C.G. was not informed of his transfer to Mexico and was denied access to his attorneys prior to his removal.

This case is significant as it marks the first instance since January 20, 2025, where the Department of Homeland Security has facilitated a return following a district court order.

The case reflects ongoing legal challenges against the Trump administration's deportation practices, which have faced scrutiny from federal courts regarding deportations to third countries.

O.C.G.'s legal team is also advocating for eight other defendants who were similarly removed without due process and are currently detained in Djibouti.

His attorneys reported that O.C.G. is anxious but grateful to be back in the U.S. as he seeks protection from persecution.

O.C.G. arrived in California on June 4, 2025, and contacted his legal team while waiting to go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Upon arrival, he was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and transported to a detention facility in Arizona.

Government lawyers confirmed that a significant public benefit parole packet was approved for O.C.G., allowing him temporary entry into the U.S. for legal proceedings.

The U.S. Department of Justice did not provide immediate comments regarding the case.

There is ongoing tension between the Trump administration and federal judges regarding compliance with orders to facilitate the return of migrants who were improperly deported.