In a significant ruling, a US judge in Boston blocked the Trump administration's plan to deport migrants to Libya, citing a violation of the migrants' due process rights.

This decision came after anonymous US officials hinted to CBS News that deportations to Libya could commence imminently as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Libya’s Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, has vehemently rejected this plan, declaring on X (formerly Twitter) that Libya would not become a deportation destination under any circumstances.

Judge Brian Murphy responded to the urgency posed by immigration lawyers who sought immediate intervention, saying the potential deportations would blatantly contravene a previous injunction protecting migrants' rights.

The judge emphasized that any deportations must provide written notice in the migrants' languages and meaningful opportunities to contest their removal, ensuring that their legal rights are respected.

While Trump has remained largely tight-lipped about the specifics, stating he was unaware of the plan, Libya is reportedly one of several countries being considered for deportations alongside Rwanda, Benin, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, and Moldova.

The backdrop of this issue is crucial; Libya, mired in conflict since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, faces significant instability. The US State Department currently advises against travel to Libya due to rampant crime, terrorism, and civil unrest.

With deportations looming, it remains unclear how many migrants are at risk and which regions of Libya they would be sent to—a situation that raises human rights concerns amid escalating tensions.

As the Trump administration intensifies its deportation campaigns, it highlights not only a shift in immigration policy but raises questions about the legal and ethical implications of such actions.