Mexico Accepts Return of Man Initially Deported to south Sudan by US
Juba, South Sudan - September 6, 2025 - south Sudan has successfully repatriated Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez to Mexico, following assurances from Mexican authorities that he would not face torture or inhumane treatment, according to a statement released by the South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on saturday.
Munoz-Gutierrez was one of eight men deported from the United States to South Sudan on July 5th, stemming from a legal battle related to US President Donald trump’s immigration policies.He had previously been convicted of second-degree murder in the US and sentenced to life in prison,according to the US Department of Homeland Security.
The repatriation process involved transferring Munoz-Gutierrez to the custody of Mexican Ambassador Alejandro Estivill Castro and was described as “smooth and orderly” by South Sudanese officials. mexico’s acceptance of his return follows a commitment to uphold Munoz-Gutierrez’s rights, ensuring he would not be subjected to “torture, inhumane or degrading treatment, or undue prosecution.” The statement further noted he was treated with “full respect for his human dignity and basic rights” during his time in Juba.
Speaking to journalists in Juba, Munoz-Gutierrez expressed his distress over the initial deportation, stating, “I felt kidnapped when the US sent me to South Sudan. I was not planning to come to South Sudan, but while I was here, they treated me well. I finished my time in the United States, and they were supposed to return me to Mexico. Instead, they wrongfully sent me to South Sudan.”
South Sudan is currently in discussions with other nations regarding the repatriation of the remaining six deportees still within its borders, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Apuk Ayuel Mayen. It remains unclear if these individuals have access to legal counsel; only one of the original eight deportees was a citizen of South Sudan.
This case highlights ongoing concerns raised by rights groups regarding the US practice of deporting migrants to third countries, a practice they argue violates international law and the fundamental rights of those deported. While US courts initially opposed the policy, the Supreme Court allowed the government to resume swift removals to countries other then migrants’ homelands in June. Other African nations receiving deportees from the US include Uganda, Eswatini, and rwanda, which received seven deportees in mid-August.
