The U.S. government resumed third-country deportations this week by sending five convicted migrants to Eswatini, sparking backlash from human rights groups and pro-democracy advocates. The flight, which landed on July 16th, marked the first use of Eswatini as a destination under the Trump administration’s expanded deportation policy. The detainees came from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos.
According to Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the five men had criminal convictions including murder and sexual assault. “This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back,” McLaughlin wrote in a public statement. She further described them as “depraved monsters” who had “terrorized American communities.” ICE guidelines allow for third-country removal of migrants under certain circumstances.
Eswatini confirmed that the deportees were being held in isolated units within local correctional facilities. Government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli stated, “Five inmates are currently housed in our correctional facilities in isolated units, where similar offenders are kept. The nation is assured that these inmates pose no threat to the country or its citizens.” She added that arrangements were being made with the United Nations to facilitate the return of the migrants to their home countries. UN protocols govern the treatment of deportees.
Critics in Eswatini expressed concern over the country’s decision to accept the deportees. Lucky Lukhele of the Swazi Solidarity Network condemned the move, saying, “Eswatini must not become a dumping ground for criminals. Citizens need protection, and this agreement is deplorable.” The group warned that local prisons may be ill-equipped to handle such inmates. Human rights reports highlight systemic issues in Eswatini’s penal system.
The deportation came shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that the administration could resume sending migrants to countries where they have no ties. This follows similar flights to South Sudan earlier this month. Critics argue the policy violates international law by failing to ensure deportees’ safety and due process. Supreme Court decisions on immigration continue to shape such practices.
Eswatini, ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, remains Africa’s last absolute monarchy and faces its own human rights challenges. Analysts suggest the country may have accepted the deportees to safeguard trade relations with the U.S., one of its largest markets. The Trump administration has pledged to continue expanding third-country deportations as part of its broader immigration crackdown, despite opposition from advocates and foreign governments.
