South Sudan has confirmed that Mexico has assured the safe return of its national deported by the United States in July, ensuring he will not be subjected to torture or inhumane treatment.
Published On 6 Sep 2025
In a notable development, South Sudan announced the repatriation of Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez, a Mexican man deported from the US amid the immigration policies of former President Donald Trump.
The South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reported on Saturday that Mexico welcomed the return of Munoz-Gutierrez, one of eight individuals expelled from the US to South Sudan on July 5 following a protracted legal dispute.
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According to the statement, Munoz-Gutierrez was successfully handed over to Mexican Ambassador Alejandro Estivill Castro in a process deemed “smooth and orderly.”
South Sudan expressed gratitude to Mexico for its collaboration and emphasized that assurances had been received, ensuring Munoz-Gutierrez would not face “torture, inhumane or degrading treatment, or undue prosecution upon his return.”
The statement also highlighted that he had been treated with “full respect for his human dignity and fundamental rights” during his time in the capital, Juba.
This repatriation was executed in strict adherence to relevant international laws, bilateral agreements, and established diplomatic protocols.
‘Felt kidnapped’
Speaking to the press in Juba, Munoz-Gutierrez expressed feeling “kidnapped” by the US when he was transferred to South Sudan.
“I had no intention of coming to South Sudan, but during my stay, I was treated well,” he stated. “I completed my time in the US, and they should have returned me to Mexico. Instead, I was wrongfully sent to South Sudan.”
The US Department of Homeland Security noted that Munoz-Gutierrez had a prior conviction for second-degree murder, resulting in a life sentence.
South Sudan is currently engaging in discussions with various nations regarding the repatriation of the six remaining deportees still in its custody, reported Apuk Ayuel Mayen, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry.
The situation regarding legal representation for these deportees remains unclear, as only one of the eight was originally from South Sudan.
Human rights organizations have criticized the Trump administration’s practice of deporting migrants to third countries, asserting it violates international law and the fundamental rights of individuals. Courts in the US have shown resistance to these deportations, but the Supreme Court reinstated the government’s authority to expedite removals to countries other than their countries of origin in June.
Other African nations, including Uganda, Eswatini, and Rwanda, have also been receiving deportees from the US, with Eswatini accepting five men with criminal histories in July and Rwanda reporting the arrival of seven deportees in mid-August.