On July 4, 2025, District Judge Randolph Moss held an extraordinary hearing to address urgent claims from lawyers representing eight immigrants facing imminent deportation to South Sudan.

The group, which includes individuals convicted of serious crimes, was scheduled for deportation on the same day as the hearing from a U.S. Naval base in Djibouti.

While all eight have been convicted of serious offenses, many have completed their sentences and are now facing removal orders.

The detainees hail from various countries including Vietnam, South Korea, Mexico, Laos, Cuba, and Myanmar, with only one having ties to South Sudan.

Among the group, four individuals have murder convictions, raising significant concerns regarding their deportation.

The men have been held in Djibouti for six weeks, living under harsh conditions in a shipping container while awaiting court decisions.

The U.S. government had previously transported the immigrants to the Naval Base in Djibouti but faced legal challenges preventing their deportation.

Judge Moss temporarily halted the deportation, allowing the migrants' lawyers time to present their case in a Massachusetts court.

Justice Department attorney Hashim Mooppan noted that ongoing court orders complicate the deportation process, emphasizing that only one of the eight men is actually from South Sudan.

The U.S. government has a travel advisory against going to South Sudan, indicating the dangerous conditions in the country.

During the hearing, Judge Moss questioned the legality of further punishment through deportation, given that the men have already served their sentences.

The Trump administration's deportation policy has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the legality of sending migrants to countries with which they have no ties.