Story perspectives

Appeals Court Halts Trump’s Third-Country Deportations Policy

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 10:42 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

U.S. Deports Migrants

The United States deported more than 25,000 migrants to third countries under secret agreements.
President Donald Trump’s administration signed deals with 35 countries to accept the migrants.
The State Department earmarked $410 million, including $81 million for the signatory governments.
A U.S. appeals court halted third-country removals on Sept. 18, citing insufficient notice.
Palau agreed to take up to 75 migrants for $7.5 million, receiving only three.

Summary

Circuit Court Blocks Policy

A three-judge panel of the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the policy unlawful.
Judge Seth Aframe, a Biden appointee, required migrants to have a meaningful chance to raise safety concerns.
The panel partially reversed a lower-court order, saying officials need not first try deportations to nations with ties.
DHS General Counsel James Percival said the policy stays in effect during the appeal and may reach the Supreme Court.

History

Historical Context

President Bill Clinton signed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act in 1996, effective April 1 1997, which gave the Attorney General authority for third-country removals, reinstatement of prior orders, and $12 million for multilayered fencing near San Diego. The law’s removal framework now underlies secret agreements with Palau and Guatemala, prompting courts to review the Biden administration’s policy.

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U.S. Deports Migrants

The United States deported more than 25,000 migrants to third countries under secret agreements.
President Donald Trump’s administration signed deals with 35 countries to accept the migrants.
The State Department earmarked $410 million, including $81 million for the signatory governments.
A U.S. appeals court halted third-country removals on Sept. 18, citing insufficient notice.
Palau agreed to take up to 75 migrants for $7.5 million, receiving only three.

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