(MENAFN) The United States may soon start deporting migrants to third countries without confirming whether those destinations are safe, according to an internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) memo cited by the Washington Post on Saturday.

The memo reportedly interprets a recent Supreme Court ruling as permitting deportations even if the receiving country has not provided “diplomatic assurances” that returnees will be safe from torture or persecution.

Immigration has become a central issue for President Donald Trump since returning to office, with the administration accusing former President Joe Biden of contributing to surging illegal immigration.

Under the outlined policy, migrants are to be given 24 hours’ notice before removal, and ICE officers will not be required to ask for the deportees’ opinion on where they are being sent. If a migrant raises concerns about the safety of their destination, a screening process will be initiated, which may include access to legal representation and a ten-day window to appeal. However, if the screening does not find a credible basis for fear, the deportation may proceed.

In some cases labeled as “exigent circumstances,” the memo reportedly allows deportations to occur just six hours after the notice is issued. It does not clearly define what qualifies as exigent.

Furthermore, if the US State Department deems a country’s assurances credible, individuals could be deported there without advance notice or an opportunity to challenge the decision.

Immigration lawyers have condemned the policy as hasty and potentially life-threatening.

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