U.S. Deports “Barbaric” Criminals to Eswatini Under Secretive Trump Policy, Sparking Outrage
Controversial Third-Country Deportation Strategy Escalates
The United States has sparked international concern by deporting five men described as “barbaric” criminals to the southern African kingdom of Eswatini, marking a significant escalation in President Donald Trump’s controversial third-country deportation strategy. The move comes amid growing questions about the legal and ethical implications of sending deportees to nations with which they have no connection.
Details of the Deportation Operation
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the deportees – originally from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos – were flown to Eswatini under an undisclosed agreement between the two governments. This follows a similar operation earlier this month that saw eight men deported to South Sudan despite having no ties to that country.
“These individuals have been terrorizing American communities,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a social media post. “They are now off of American soil.” The deportees were reportedly convicted of violent crimes including murder and child rape, with one identified as a confirmed gang member.
Lack of Transparency Raises Concerns
Eswatini authorities have remained silent about the deportees’ arrival, providing no information about their legal status, living conditions, or any agreements made with the U.S. government. This secrecy has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and pro-democracy groups in the small African nation.
“This opacity makes it difficult for civic society to understand the implications,” Ingiphile Dlamini, spokesperson for the pro-democracy group SWALIMO, told The Associated Press. “There has been a notable lack of official communication from the Eswatini government.”
Eswatini’s Capacity to Handle Deportees Questioned
Experts warn that Eswatini, an impoverished absolute monarchy with a population of just 1.2 million, may struggle to manage deportees with serious criminal backgrounds. The country, formerly known as Swaziland, has faced international criticism for its human rights record under King Mswati III, including violent suppression of political dissent.
“It may face significant strain in accommodating and managing individuals with complex backgrounds,” Dlamini added, expressing concerns about public safety and the nation’s limited resources.
Expanding Deportation Network in Africa
The Trump administration appears to be expanding its network of deportation destinations in Africa, with Rwanda confirming ongoing talks with U.S. officials. This strategy mirrors similar but legally challenged European efforts, including the UK’s failed attempt to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Analysts suggest the U.S. may be offering diplomatic incentives – such as trade benefits or increased aid – to persuade African nations to accept deportees. However, some countries like Nigeria have pushed back, refusing to accept non-citizen deportees.
Growing Criticism of the Policy
While the administration frames the deportations as a national security victory, critics argue the practice raises serious legal and human rights concerns. “We’re not a dumping ground for criminals,” protested a South Sudanese civil society leader following the earlier deportation of eight men to that country.
As the policy expands, civic groups in Eswatini continue demanding transparency. “We want clarity on who these men are, what risks they may pose, and whether our country has the means to manage such cases,” said Dlamini.
The secretive nature of these deportation agreements and their potential impact on vulnerable nations promises to keep this controversial policy in the international spotlight.