Judge orders return of Ahmed Soliman from Equatorial Guinea

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Ahmed Soliman’s release from custody in Equatorial Guinea and return to the United States, ruling that his deportation violated due-process rights. The order, issued October 6 by U.S. District Judge John Hinderaker, requires officials to take steps toward bringing Soliman back and to provide an update on their efforts. Soliman, an Egyptian national who came to the United States as a child and grew up in Arizona, had received protection from deportation to Egypt because of fears he would face persecution there. The administration instead sent him to Equatorial Guinea, a country where he had no ties. Hinderaker found that the Department of Homeland Security removed him without meaningful notice or an opportunity to challenge that destination. A court filing described by the administration said officials had begun working with Soliman’s lawyers to locate and contact him and facilitate his return. That statement does not establish that he has been found, released or returned. His current whereabouts and condition were not confirmed in the reports available after the ruling.