Investigation reveals 25,000 US deportees sent to third countries, often returning them to perilous homelands

Key points

• Nearly 25,000 people were sent to third countries, with some subsequently returned to their home nations against their will.
• Moussa Diawara, a long-term US resident, was deported to Ghana and then forced to Mali, a country a US judge had ruled unsafe for him.
• The Department of Homeland Security claims these removals prevent crime and protect Americans, while critics cite a lack of due process.
• A federal appeals court ruled the third-country policy unlawful, but the Supreme Court allowed the deportations to continue pending a December hearing.
• Host countries like Ghana and Sierra Leone receive financial aid or other benefits in exchange for accepting these deportees.

Background

This issue follows a broader trend of increased immigration enforcement under the current administration. Previous coverage has highlighted the scale of the deportation operation, with nearly one million people removed in the first 18 months. The current debate centers on the legality and ethics of sending individuals to countries where they have no ties, a practice that has expanded significantly compared to previous administrations.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and immigration attorney Meredyth Yoon argue that the US government is complicit in the mistreatment of deportees, citing evidence that Ghana systematically returns refugees to their home countries. They emphasize the lack of due process and the violation of international law. In contrast, James Percival, the top lawyer for the Department of Homeland Security, defends the practice as a necessary tool to remove public safety threats, claiming that many deportees are serious criminals. GhanaWeb reports on the accusations against the Ghanaian government, while Genocide Watch highlights the scale of the operation and the financial incentives involved. Independent journalist Gillian Brockell provides technical insights into how these flights are tracked, revealing the logistical complexity of the removal program.

Why it matters

This story highlights the potential for human rights violations in the name of immigration enforcement. The use of third-country deportations raises serious questions about the US government's adherence to international law and its responsibility for the safety of individuals it removes. The legal challenges and the scale of the operation suggest that this policy will have long-lasting implications for immigration law and international relations.

What to watch

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case regarding the legality of third-country deportations in December. In the meantime, the administration is likely to continue the practice, with potential further legal challenges from advocacy groups. The fate of the 25,000 individuals already deported remains a critical concern, with many facing persecution or torture in their home countries.