The case began after U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy in Massachusetts ruled that the government could not deport immigrants to “third countries” — nations not named in their removal orders — without first ensuring that the deportees would not face torture. His decision, issued in April and reaffirmed in May, had temporarily stopped the deportations.

The eight individuals, reportedly from Cuba, Vietnam, and Laos, were initially set to be flown to South Sudan, a country currently under a U.S. travel advisory due to conflict and instability. When Murphy intervened, the plane was rerouted to Djibouti, where the men have been detained ever since.

Arguing before the Supreme Court, Solicitor General D. John Sauer said the district judge’s requirements were obstructing immigration enforcement and disrupting U.S. foreign and national security efforts. The administration asked the justices to clarify that their previous stay allowed the government to proceed