US deports 'barbaric' migrants to Eswatini after home countries refuse repatriation
This development follows a similar case nearly two weeks ago, when the United States deported eight men to South Sudan as part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.
The United States government has deported five migrants to the southern African nation of Eswatini, with a senior official describing them as "barbaric."
In a statement posted on X, US Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the deportations, noting that the men originally came from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen.
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She also shared photographs of the individuals, stating that they had been convicted of serious crimes in their countries of origin, including child rape, murder, and other offences.
"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 government of Eswatini has yet to comment on the recent deportations.
This development follows a similar case nearly two weeks ago, when the United States deported eight men to South Sudan as part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.
Despite only one of the individuals holding South Sudanese citizenship, authorities in Juba accepted the group.
Washington had previously criticised South Sudan for its lack of cooperation in repatriation efforts. In April, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded by suspending all visa services for South Sudanese nationals, accusing the government of delaying the return of its citizens.
The deportations to South Sudan came shortly after a June ruling by the US Supreme Court, which allowed the Trump administration to resume sending migrants to countries other than their own.
This legal decision has opened the door for expanded third-country deportations — a controversial strategy already used to send individuals to places such as El Salvador and Costa Rica.
Elsewhere in Africa, Rwanda has confirmed that discussions with US officials are ongoing. Media reports have also identified countries, including Benin, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Moldova, as potential destinations.
However, not all governments have been receptive. Just last week, Nigeria publicly rejected a US proposal to deport Venezuelan nationals and foreign inmates to its territory.
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