Washington( The COW News Digital)The United States has introduced a significantly harsher immigration policy allowing the deportation of migrants with as little as six hours’ notice. The decision follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling that eased the legal requirements for the removal of undocumented immigrants.
In a directive issued by the Deputy Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Todd Lyons, it was confirmed that the new policy replaces the previous 24-hour deportation notice period with just six hours under normal circumstances. In emergency situations, deportation could take place in even less time.
“The Supreme Court’s decision has provided us the legal framework to expedite the removal process,” Lyons stated. “Our goal is to act swiftly and in accordance with the law to maintain national security and immigration control.”
The announcement has triggered intense backlash from immigration lawyers, human rights advocates, and civil liberties groups, who argue that the new policy strips vulnerable individuals of due process and exposes them to life-threatening conditions in their home countries.
“This policy is a death sentence for many asylum seekers,” warned Trina Relmoto, president of a prominent refugee rights union. “People fleeing violence, war, or persecution need legal safeguards, not rushed deportations. We intend to challenge this rule in court to uphold basic human rights.”
Critics say the six-hour window offers little to no time for migrants to access legal counsel or appeal their deportation, particularly those facing credible threats in their countries of origin. Legal experts also fear a rise in wrongful deportations and violations of international asylum agreements.
According to immigration attorneys, this move disproportionately affects individuals who were in the middle of legal proceedings or awaiting asylum reviews. They argue that such a fast-tracked system will erode trust in the U.S. legal and immigration framework.
The Biden administration has remained silent on the matter so far, prompting further criticism from advocacy groups that had expected more humane immigration reforms.
Meanwhile, ICE officials have begun operationalizing the new policy across detention centers nationwide. Observers warn that the situation could escalate rapidly, affecting thousands of migrants currently awaiting decisions on their immigration status.
