Sourced fact
The News
Amnesty International (HRW) has released a report stating that the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump is violating international law by sending migrants to third countries in Africa, exposing them to the risk of persecution and torture. Since Trump returned to the White House in 2025, more than 500 individuals have been deported to African countries where they are not citizens. According to the report, some African countries that accept migrants detain them arbitrarily or send them back to their home countries, where they face the risk of persecution or torture.
The organization noted that some African countries like Eswatini, Ghana, and South Sudan have arbitrarily detained migrants and subjected them to abuse during detention. HRW also reported that some African countries such as Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Ghana have sent migrants back to their home countries despite the risk of violating the principle of non-refoulement. Michael Garcia Bochenek, interim director of HRW's U.S. Program, stated, "Deporting people to countries they have never set foot in is part of an American policy designed to cause suffering as a deterrent to migration."
In response to the report, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that it receives diplomatic assurances from receiving countries that individuals being deported will be safe. White House spokesperson Lauren Pena noted that those sent to third countries are individuals whose home countries have refused to take them back or who have court orders prohibiting their return to their home country. However, Eswatini affirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of third-country migrants.
HRW conducted interviews with 24 third-country individuals in six African countries, who spoke about harsh treatment during deportation journeys, including 18-hour restrictions and lack of essential medication or adequate food. The report also noted that at least 12 individuals from the LGBTQ+ community were sent to African countries that criminalize same-sex relationships. According to HRW, some of these individuals received protection in the U.S. due to the risk of persecution in their home countries because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, deportation policies reflect growing tensions between the U.S. and African countries regarding migration and human rights. These policies raise concerns about potential human rights violations and breaches of international law.
In a broader context, migration plays a crucial role in American and international policy. The U.S. aims to reduce illegal migration flows, while African countries face challenges in dealing with migrants who are deported to them.
It is also worth noting that these policies may impact diplomatic relations between the U.S. and African countries, as the latter may face pressure to accept deported migrants.
