Libya's Rival Governments Reject U.S. Plans to Deport Immigrants

In a troubling development, Libya's two rival governments have jointly refused U.S. plans to deport immigrants, raising serious concerns over human rights and sovereignty.

U.S. officials indicated that the administration under former President Trump was preparing to transfer deported immigrants to Libya on military aircraft as early as this week. However, both the internationally recognized government in Tripoli, which governs western Libya, and the eastern regime led by warlord Khalifa Hifter have denied any agreement to take in these deportees, emphasizing a violation of Libyan sovereignty.

The Tripoli government publicly rejected “any agreement or coordination” for deported migrants and stated unequivocally its disapproval of utilizing Libya as a destination for deportations without prior consent. The statement also hinted at the possibility that rival entities affiliated with Hifter may have made unauthorized agreements with the U.S., asserting that such deals would lack legal legitimacy.

Meanwhile, Hifter's administration echoed similar sentiments, contending that there are no agreements to accept migrants irrespective of their nationality, which showcases a unified front against what they perceive as a disregard for Libya's territorial integrity. Hifter’s son, Saddam, recently visited Washington, leading to speculation regarding potential negotiations that might have occurred in isolation from the Tripoli government.

This possible deportation plan to Libya highlights significant human rights concerns, as the country has a notorious reputation for the maltreatment of migrants. Various organizations have condemned the conditions in Libya's detention facilities, labeling them as “hellscapes” notorious for violence, exploitation, and severe human rights abuses, underscoring the moral implications surrounding the U.S. administration's proposal.