On July 16, 2025, Eswatini's government revealed its intention to repatriate five migrants who were recently deported by the Trump administration. The decision follows the U.S. declaration that these individuals could not return to their home countries, including Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen, and Cuba, as they had previously been incarcerated for serious crimes. This event marks the initial execution of third-country deportations allowed by a recent Supreme Court ruling that enhances the administration's removal policies.
Eswatini to Repatriate U.S. Deportees Amid Controversy Over Third-Country Policy
Eswatini to Repatriate U.S. Deportees Amid Controversy Over Third-Country Policy
The African kingdom of Eswatini announces plans to send back five migrants deported by the U.S., highlighting challenges in international repatriation agreements.
Eswatini's spokesperson, Thabile Mdluli, indicated that the repatriation process would be coordinated collectively with the U.S. and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). However, the IOM has clarified that they were not involved in the original deportation and have not been asked to engage with the repatriation effort. The U.S. Homeland Security Department has emphasized that these individuals were sent to Eswatini after their home nations refused to accept them, raising questions about the implications of such a policy on both the deportees and the jurisdictions involved.
The actions taken by the Trump administration, particularly the reliance on third-country deportations, are stirring controversy and raising geopolitical considerations as nations navigate their immigration policies in collaboration with the U.S.
The actions taken by the Trump administration, particularly the reliance on third-country deportations, are stirring controversy and raising geopolitical considerations as nations navigate their immigration policies in collaboration with the U.S.
