The United States government has confirmed a new agreement with South Sudan for deporting migrants back to Juba, marking a significant development in bilateral immigration policy.
Officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the deal on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, during a briefing.
The agreement aims to facilitate the return of South Sudanese nationals residing irregularly in the United States of America, addressing immigration enforcement priorities amid growing migration challenges.
Details of the agreement remain limited, but it is expected to streamline deportation processes, potentially affecting hundreds of South Sudanese migrants, who are currently making themselves comfortable in the U.S.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened regional instability, with South Sudan facing ongoing political and economic difficulties, which raises questions on how the country’s nationals in the U.S will receive the news of their deportation.
South Sudan, still recovering from years of civil conflict, struggles with limited infrastructure and resources to reintegrate returnees, is raising concerns about the impact of deportations on local communities.
Public sentiment in South Sudan is mixed, with some viewing the agreement as a necessary step for international cooperation, while others worry it could exacerbate existing humanitarian challenges.
On the other hand, the United States Government has not disclosed the number of the South Sudanese individuals targeted for deportation or the timeline for implementation, but the move underscores broader efforts to manage migration flows.
The international community is also watching closely as South Sudan navigates the implications of this agreement, with calls for humanitarian considerations to ensure the safe and dignified return of deportees.