When deportation becomes a journey of no return (and with dubious WiFi)
It seems that the American dream for these eight migrants ended with a one-way ticket (without return) to one of the most complicated places on the planet: South Sudan. Yes, the same country that occupies the podium in “Where wouldn’t you want to live even on vacation?” Among the deportees, as in a bad joke, there is a Mexican, two Cubans and a South Sudanese who, ironically, is the only one who was *technically* going home. The rest? Well, let’s say that they were not given the option to choose a destination.
The uncomfortable detail that no one mentions
According to the Department of Homeland Security (aka those who sign the papers with one hand and wash their hands with the other), these eight men had a history of violent crimes. But here comes the plot twist: their countries of origin did not want to receive them. Reason? Mystery. The only clear thing is that they ended up at a military base in Djibouti (yes, in Africa, because obviously) before landing in Juba, the South Sudanese capital, escorted by marines. Just in case you were wondering, I guess.
The Latinos in question respond to the names of José Manuel Rodríguez Quiñones and Enrique Arias Hierro (Cubans), and Jesús Muñoz Gutiérrez (Mexican). The group is completed by two Burmese, a Vietnamese and a Laotian. An authentic United Colors of Deportation, but without the glamor of Benetton.
South Sudan: the geopolitical “consolation prize”
So you understand the level: South Sudan is as stable as a 2012 meme. After a civil war that left 400,000 dead (and counting), the country is still in flames. Literal. The US Supreme Court gave the green light to this deportation, which has put NGOs on a war footing. Reason? High risk of torture, and, you know, dying trying to survive.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem must be happy: Her “get off my lawn” policy just reached epic levels. Meanwhile, deportees face a more uncertain future than Wi-Fi in rural areas. Of course, with post-apocalypse landscapes included.
Moral? If you plan to emigrate, you better have a plan B. And C. And D. Because the “due process” sometimes ends in a flight with a stopover in hell.
Are you outraged by this news? Share it and continue exploring more stories about migration and human rights. Because the world is crazy, but getting informed is the first step to changing it. #JusticeForMigrants




