US reportedly planning to deport migrants to Libya despite ‘clear’ violation of court order

A vessel rescuing people in the central Mediterranean off Libya last year. Human rights organisations have documented how migrants trapped in the country are at the mercy of militias and smugglers. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

The Trump administration is reportedly planning to deport a group of immigrants to Libya, despite a judge’s efforts on Wednesday to block any such flights and the state department’s previous condemnation of the “life-threatening” prison conditions in the country.

Reuters cited three unnamed US officials as saying the deportations could happen this week. Two of the officials said the immigrants, whose nationalities are not known, could be flown to the north African country as soon as Wednesday, but they added the plans could still change. The New York Times also cited a US official confirming the deportation plans.