Internal U.S. government documents indicate that the Trump administration has significantly expanded its use of third-country deportation agreements. Over a recent 10-day period, more than 100 individuals—including citizens of Afghanistan, Cuba, Nicaragua, Iran, Nepal, Turkey, and Venezuela—were removed from the United States and sent to eight different nations across Africa.
The individuals deported were not citizens of the countries to which they were sent. According to the records, these removals were carried out via three Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) flights, which dropped off detainees in Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Liberia, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone.
This strategy involves sending deportees to nations where they have no personal ties, a practice that has intensified under the current administration. While more than 30 countries globally have entered into such agreements with the U.S., the recent expansion includes several African nations currently grappling with political instability, armed conflict, or human rights concerns, such as the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the policy in a statement, asserting that if an individual chooses to contest removal to their home country in court, the government is legally obligated to identify a safe alternative. The agency added that those who choose to return to their home countries are provided with a free flight and a $3,000 payment.
Some of those sent to Africa, particularly to Eswatini and South Sudan, reportedly have criminal records involving serious or violent offenses. However, many others among the group lack any criminal history beyond immigration violations or lack of proper documentation.
The most recent flight included an Afghan man, identified as Khalil, who had previously been granted “withholding of removal” by a U.S. immigration judge. This legal protection was awarded in August 2025 after the court determined he would likely face persecution in Afghanistan. Because he did not receive full asylum due to a Biden-era policy regarding third-country transit, he remained subject to removal to a third nation.
Khalil’s legal counsel, Alma David, argued that the administration’s actions aim to undermine the global refugee protection system. The 24-year-old had entered the U.S. illegally in 2024 after traveling through Latin America and had been held in ICE custody throughout his time in the country. His family, including a brother who served alongside U.S. military forces, has expressed grave concerns for his safety, noting that he faces potential threats from the Taliban.
Zachary Schmidt, an active-duty Marine colonel who supervised Khalil’s brother during his deployment, testified in the immigration case. Schmidt stated that he believes Khalil will be killed if he is returned to Afghanistan. He emphasized that the U.S. made a commitment to support those who aided the American war effort, asserting that the government must uphold that promise.
The logistical details of these agreements remain largely opaque. While some nations like Ghana and Sierra Leone have reportedly agreed to accept only those from other African regions, countries such as Liberia and the Central African Republic have received detainees from Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
The Central African Republic, a destination for the most recent flight, remains under a “Level 4″ State Department travel advisory due to widespread violence and the presence of foreign mercenaries. The administration continues to face scrutiny over the transparency of these deportation agreements and the long-term safety of those removed to countries where they have no established connections. The report also notes that government documents obtained by. The report also notes that reached out to the Departments of Homeland Security and State seeking comment on the deportations to Africa. The report also notes that we are required by law to find a safe and secure nation for them to go to, if an illegal alien chooses to file a claim in court refusing to go to their home country. The report also notes that one of whom was brought to the U.S, his immigration lawyer said Khalil came to join his brothers. The report also notes that in 2014 because of his work alongside American military forces while in the Afghan Army. The report also notes that that he will be killed,” Schmidt told, speaking in his personal capacity, it is my belief that if Khalil gets sent back to Afghanistan. The report also notes that and help rebuild your country, we will look out for you, the deal is that if you help us.
