JUBA, South Sudan (BN24) — South Sudanese officials confirmed Tuesday that they have taken custody of eight men deported by the United States following a high-profile case that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Apuk Ayuel told reporters the men arrived at Juba International Airport on Saturday after what she described as “standard deportation procedures undertaken” by the U.S. government.
The group includes citizens of Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Vietnam and South Sudan. Trump administration officials said the men were convicted of violent crimes in the United States.
U.S. authorities said Friday the eight were removed in May and held for weeks at a U.S. military base in Djibouti before their transfer to South Sudan was cleared by the Supreme Court.
Ayuel said the men are “under the care of the relevant authorities who are screening them and ensuring their safety and well-being,” though she did not specify where they were being held.
