The U.S. has begun deporting some immigrants with criminal records to South Sudan—a country many of them have no connection to and one of the most dangerous places in the world.

Tuan Thanh Phan, a green card holder from Vietnam who served 25 years in prison for a 2000 gang-related killing, was one of them. He expected to be sent to Vietnam. Instead, without warning, he was placed on a plane to South Sudan.

He’s not the only one. Others with roots in Mexico, Cuba, Burma, and Laos were also rerouted. Some told they were going to South Africa before ending up in South Sudan

Legal experts say South Sudan is not safe or stable right now. Human rights groups warn that sending people there, especially those with no ties to the country, could put their lives in danger.

Critics also say this new plan is not clear and could break basic legal rights.