Mexico Returns Deported Man to Home Soil After Unlikely Detour Through South Sudan

MEXICO ACCEPTS RETURN OF MAN DEPORTED TO SOUTH SUDAN FROM US JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — Mexico has accepted the return of Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez, a Mexican migrant who was deported to South Sudan by the United States as part of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Juba, Munoz-Gutierrez was repatriated on September 6 after being transferred to the custody of Mexican Ambassador Alejandro Estivill Castro. The statement added that the process was smooth and orderly. "We are pleased that Mexico has accepted the return of Mr. Munoz-Gutierrez," said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Juba. "This is a testament to the strong relations between our two countries." Munoz-Gutierrez, one of eight men deported from the US to South Sudan on July 5, had been at the center of a long-running legal battle over his deportation. He was initially sent to South Sudan despite having no connection to the country. The repatriation comes as part of a larger effort by Mexico and other countries to accept deportees from the US. In recent months, several African nations have accepted deportees from the US, sparking controversy over the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers. "This is not just about Mr. Munoz-Gutierrez," said a human rights activist in Juba. "It's about the broader issue of migrant rights and the responsibility of countries to protect their citizens." The repatriation of Munoz-Gutierrez brings an end to a two-month ordeal for the Mexican migrant, who was initially sent to South Sudan without his consent. Background: The deportation of migrants from the US has been a contentious issue in recent years. In 2019, President Trump announced a plan to deport thousands of asylum seekers to countries including Mexico and Central America. The plan sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups and lawmakers. Additional perspectives: "This is a positive development for Mr. Munoz-Gutierrez and his family," said a spokesperson for the Mexican Embassy in Juba. "We are committed to protecting the rights of our citizens abroad." "The repatriation of Mr. Munoz-Gutierrez highlights the complexities of migrant deportation policies," said a UNHCR spokesperson. "Countries must work together to ensure that migrants are treated with dignity and respect." Current status: The repatriation of Munoz-Gutierrez brings an end to a two-month ordeal for the Mexican migrant, who was initially sent to South Sudan without his consent. Next developments: It is unclear what will happen next in the case of Munoz-Gutierrez. However, human rights activists are calling on governments to prioritize migrant rights and ensure that deportees are treated with dignity and respect. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*