Trump Is Still Deporting People Wherever He Wants

The New Yorker

by Isaac Chotiner

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Trump's administration has continued to deport immigrants to third countries despite legal challenges and criticism. This practice involves sending individuals to nations where they have no ties or face potential persecution, often because their home countries are deemed unsafe. For example, over 200 Venezuelans were deported to El Salvador's CECOT prison, a facility known for harsh conditions. Similarly, nine individuals were sent to Cameroon, leading to their detention until they agree to return home. Law Professor Ahilan Arulanantham of U.C.L.A. highlights the illegality of these actions. Sending deportees to foreign prisons without trial constitutes punishment without due process, violating international and domestic law. Additionally, such deportations bypass immigration court procedures, denying individuals the chance to challenge their removal in the U.S. The administration's third-country strategy has faced judicial pushback, with courts ordering the return of wrongly deported immigrants. However, the Supreme Court's reluctance to intervene has allowed these practices to persist, straining federal courts and raising concerns about due process and human rights violations. This issue matters culturally as it reflects broader tensions over immigration policy and sovereignty. Critics argue that such deportations undermine U.S. legal standards and global human rights norms. The administration's actions raise questions about the limits of executive power and the ethical treatment of immigrants, making this a critical topic for those interested in cultural and legal implications.

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Originally published on The New Yorker on 2/19/2026