U.S. Sparks Global Outrage by Deporting Immigrants to Tiny African Nation of Eswatini

The Trump administration has deported five immigrants convicted of serious crimes from countries including Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos to Eswatini, a small African kingdom where they have no ties.

This move is part of a controversial expansion of 'third-country deportations,' where migrants are sent to nations other than their country of origin after their home countries refused to accept them. The decision has triggered widespread condemnation from Eswatini's opposition, civil society, and international human rights groups, who accuse the U.S. of using Eswatini as a dumping ground for unwanted migrants. The deportees are reportedly being held in solitary confinement, and Eswatini's government says it plans to repatriate them, though the process remains unclear.

Critics argue the policy raises serious ethical and human rights concerns, and has strained diplomatic relations.