U.S. Sparks Outrage by Deporting Convicted Migrants to Tiny African Nation 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 across Africa, with critics accusing the U.S. of using Eswatini as a 'dumping ground' for unwanted deportees. The deported men are reportedly being held in solitary confinement, and Eswatini's government has stated it aims to repatriate them.

Human rights concerns have been raised over the legality and ethics of this policy, as well as the lack of advance notice to Eswatini authorities.