Key Facts
• In early July 2025, 8 deportees were sent to South Sudan; only 1 was local.
• 5 deportees from Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam, and Yemen were sent to Eswatini.
• U.S. officials labeled deportees as “violent criminals” rejected by their home countries.
• Critics claim the U.S. pressures African nations using foreign aid as leverage.
• Eswatini plans to repatriate deportees with International Organization for Migration (IOM).
• IOM denies involvement in the deportation process.
• Internal documents suggest Angola, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, and Libya may be next.
• African nations express concern over becoming “dumping grounds” for unwanted individuals.
Summary
The Trump administration’s deportation policy has drawn criticism for sending deportees to economically vulnerable African nations. In July 2025, individuals from various countries, including Cuba and Yemen, were sent to South Sudan and Eswatini, despite limited connections to these nations. U.S. officials justified the move by labeling the deportees as violent criminals whose home countries refused to accept them. Critics argue that the U.S. exploits foreign aid to pressure African nations into compliance, raising concerns about these countries becoming “dumping grounds.” Eswatini has pledged to repatriate the deportees with IOM’s assistance, though the organization denies involvement. Internal reports indicate other African nations, such as Angola and Libya, may soon face similar situations. The policy has sparked outrage across Africa, highlighting the ethical and economic challenges of such forced deportations.
