(CNN) — A Mexican man deported from the US and sent to South Sudan returned to Mexico on Saturday, according to South Sudanese officials.

Ambassador Apuk Ayuel Mayen, spokesperson for South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed J. Jesus Muñoz Gutierrez’s “smooth and orderly” departure during a press conference at Juba International Airport on Saturday.

Muñoz was released into the custody of the Mexican ambassador-designate to South Sudan, Alejandro Estivill, Mayen said. CNN has reached out to Mexico’s Foreign Ministry for comment.

Addressing reporters in Juba before stepping aboard a plane, Muñoz said he “felt kidnapped” by the US when he was sent to South Sudan.

“I was not planning to come to South Sudan, but while I was here, they treated me well,” Muñoz told reporters. “

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