US Deports 11 More Migrants To Eswatini Under Controversial Third-Country Agreement

The United States has deported 11 more migrants to Eswatini under its third-country deportation programme, despite claims that some had legal protections against removal. The policy has drawn criticism from human rights groups, while the Trump administration says it is a lawful part of its tougher immigration enforcement strategy.

Eleven more migrants deported from the United States have arrived in Eswatini as part of President Donald Trump's expanded immigration policy, raising fresh concerns from human rights groups and immigration lawyers.
The latest group was flown to the southern African kingdom under a controversial agreement that allows the United States to deport some migrants to countries other than their own. The policy has become a key part of President Trump's efforts to tighten immigration enforcement during his second term.
According to an immigration lawyer familiar with some of the cases, at least two of the deported migrants reportedly had legal protections that campaigners believe should have prevented their removal from the United States.
The arrivals bring renewed attention to the growing use of third-country deportation agreements, which have been criticised by human rights organisations.

A government source said an official convoy travelled to the country's main international airport to receive and process the group after their arrival.
Authorities have not yet released the identities or nationalities of the 11 migrants.
The latest deportation follows several similar transfers made under the agreement between the United States and Eswatini.

Since July 2025, the United States has deported 30 migrants to Eswatini under the arrangement.
Two of those previously deported have since returned to their home countries, while the remaining 17 are still being held in a high-security prison without criminal charges.
The United States argues that the arrangement allows it to remove migrants who cannot legally be returned directly to their countries of origin.

These protections are usually granted to individuals who could face persecution, violence or other serious dangers if returned to their home countries.
Critics argue that sending such migrants to third countries may undermine those protections.
The Trump administration maintains that US law only prevents deportation to the migrants' own countries under certain circumstances and does not prohibit transfers to other nations.

Amnesty International has described the agreement as deeply abusive and raised concerns about the treatment of migrants transferred to Eswatini.
Campaigners have questioned why migrants are being detained without charge and have called for greater transparency over their legal status.
They also expressed concern about Eswatini's own human rights record.

The funding is intended to assist with receiving and accommodating migrants sent under the agreement.
Critics argue that financial incentives should not influence decisions involving the rights and welfare of vulnerable people.
Supporters of the policy say it helps reduce illegal immigration while easing pressure on the US immigration system.

His administration has expanded deportation efforts, including targeting some migrants who previously qualified for temporary legal protections.
While supporters argue the measures strengthen border security and immigration enforcement, critics warn they may place vulnerable people at greater risk.
As more migrants continue to be transferred under third-country agreements, legal and human rights debates surrounding the policy are expected to intensify.