Eswatini to return US-deported migrants convicted of serious crimes to home countries
The Eswatini deportations were preceded by the repatriation of eight individuals from the United States to South Sudan, amid a rampant crackdown on illegal immigrants by President Donald Trump.
The government of Eswatini has announced plans to repatriate five undocumented migrants who were deported from the United States and arrived in the country on Wednesday. The individuals will be sent back to their countries of origin.
In a series of tweets posted on the Eswatini government's official X platform, authorities confirmed that the five migrants — from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen — are currently being held in solitary confinement at local correctional facilities as they await repatriation.
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Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli confirmed that arrangements are underway to return the individuals to their respective home countries.
"[The] government has acknowledged the security concerns of EmaSwati, further confirming that indeed, the five prisoners are in the country and are housed in Correctional facilities within isolated units, "where similar offenders are kept," said the Eswatini government.
According to Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, the five individuals — convicted of serious crimes such as child rape, murder, and other offences in their home countries — do not pose any threat to Eswatini or its citizens.
While she did not specify a timeline for the repatriation, Thabile noted that Eswatini is coordinating with the United States government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to facilitate their return.
"The Kingdom of Eswatini and the United States of America have enjoyed fruitful bilateral relations spanning over five decades. As such, every agreement entered into is done with meticulous care and consideration, putting the interests of both nations at the forefront," said Mdluli.
"As a responsible member of the global community, the Kingdom of Eswatini adheres to international agreements and diplomatic protocols regarding the repatriation of individuals, ensuring that due process and respect for human rights is followed."
On Wednesday, in a statement posted on X, US Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the deportations.
She also shared photographs of the individuals and the crimes they had been convicted of in their countries of origin.
"A safe third country deportation flight to Eswatini in Southern Africa has landed. This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back," McClaughlin said.
"These depraved monsters have been terrorising American communities, but thanks to @POTUS Trump @Sec_Noem they are off of American soil."
The Eswatini deportations were preceded by the repatriation of eight individuals from the United States to South Sudan, amid a rampant crackdown on illegal immigrants by President Donald Trump.
Media reports have also identified other African countries, including Rwanda, Benin, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Moldova, as potential destinations for future US deportees.
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