The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can now deport migrants to third countries with as little as six hours’ notice, according to a new policy.

Previously, ICE waited at least 24 hours before deporting someone to a country that wasn’t their own. However, under a memo dated July 9 from acting ICE director Todd Lyons, the agency can now act faster in “urgent situations.”

Migrants Can Be Sent Without Legal Hearings

Now, ICE can send migrants to countries that have agreed not to persecute or torture them, even if those countries are not their homeland. As a result, migrants can be deported without further legal review or court proceedings.

According to the Trump administration, this new rule helps remove people who no longer have a legal reason to stay in the United States, especially those with criminal records.

Supreme Court Cleared the Way for Policy

Earlier in June, the U.S. Supreme Court made this possible by lifting a lower court ban. That earlier ruling had forced ICE to check whether migrants feared being harmed in the third country.

Following that decision, ICE deported eight migrants from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Sudan, and Vietnam to South Sudan.

Trump Officials Reach Out to African Nations

Meanwhile, the administration contacted five African countries—Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon. They asked these nations to accept deported migrants from other countries.

This move shows a broader strategy to find willing countries for third-country deportations.

Officials Defend the Rule Change

According to U.S. officials, the new policy improves enforcement and speeds up the removal of people who are in the country illegally. They argue this process is faster, more effective, and helps protect public safety.

Critics Warn of Dangerous Consequences

On the other hand, critics say the policy is dangerous and unfair. They warn that people could be sent to unfamiliar places where they don’t know the language, have no connections, or face serious threats.

Trina Realmuto, a lawyer challenging the policy in court, said the change “falls far short of providing the statutory and due process protections that the law requires.”

Legal and Human Rights Concerns Grow

Because of the rapid pace, legal experts fear the policy may violate both U.S. law and international human rights standards.

Despite growing concerns, the Trump administration is moving ahead. It continues to expand third-country deportations as part of its larger push to tighten immigration enforcement.