By The New York Times
A report published on November 9, 2026, by The New York Times details how foreign governments have been cooperating with U.S. authorities during immigration enforcement operations, facilitating the return of individuals who were previously ordered to remain in the United States through judicial rulings.
Court Orders and Enforcement Actions
The article reveals that multiple federal courts have issued orders preventing the deportation of certain immigrants based on international law principles and due process concerns. These include cases involving individuals seeking asylum or facing threats upon return to their home countries.
Foreign Partnerships and Deportation Practices
In several instances, U.S. officials have coordinated with diplomatic partners—specifically nations in Africa and Central America—to accept deportees for transfer abroad. The New York Times reports that these foreign governments then transport individuals back to their countries of origin without prior judicial review or risk assessment.
Risks of Refoulement
The practice constitutes refoulement—the forced return of a person to a country where they face serious harm—and is prohibited under international human rights law, including the 1951 Refugee Convention. According to legal experts cited by the publication, such actions violate obligations under global treaties signed by both the United States and its partner states.
Legal Challenges and Ongoing Cases
A number of lawsuits have been filed in U.S. federal courts challenging these deportations on grounds that they breach court-issued injunctions and undermine due process. The New York Times notes that at least three cases are currently pending before appellate judges, with one involving an individual from Haiti who was deported after a lower-court order had already prohibited removal.
The report does not specify exact numbers or names of individuals involved but confirms patterns across multiple enforcement operations between October 2025 and November 2026. It also states that the Department of Homeland Security has acknowledged some instances where foreign transfers occurred without prior notification to affected parties or legal counsel.