The United States has transferred at least 25,447 foreign nationals to 28 countries since January 2025, as part of agreements with 35 countries. The deportations, which began after Donald Trump's return to the White House, have raised concerns about the rights of those being deported. According to data compiled by Forbidden Stories, a significant number of those deported were sent to Mexico, with around 20,000 individuals transferred there.
The agreements between the US and third countries vary in terms of conditions, including which nationalities are accepted and whether individuals with criminal records are allowed. The investigation, conducted by 72 journalists from 23 media outlets in 15 countries, found that 49 of 54 African countries were approached by Washington to accept deported individuals.
Several African countries have agreed to accept deported individuals, including Cameroon, which signed an agreement in December to accept third-country nationals. The first flight under this arrangement arrived on January 14. Eswatini has also accepted 32 individuals since July 2025, with a potential total of 160 under a $5 million agreement.
The US has allocated $410 million for these deportation agreements, with $81 million to be paid directly to signatory governments and the rest to international organizations. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is set to receive over $178 million, while the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will receive $123 million.
However, the involvement of these organizations has been criticized, with concerns raised about the rights of those being deported. The UNHCR has stated that it is not party to bilateral agreements and uses US funding in line with its mandate. The IOM has said it accepts funding when it allows for the improvement of migrants' lives.
The deportation policy has faced legal challenges in the US, with a federal appeals court ruling that migrants must have a genuine opportunity to contest their transfer to a third country before deportation. The US government has announced plans to appeal the decision. An earlier investigation by AFP found that Washington had exerted pressure on several African countries to accept deported individuals, including through visa restrictions and threats to aid and customs duties.
The issue has sparked concerns about the treatment of deported individuals and the implications for countries accepting them. As the US continues to implement its deportation policies, questions remain about the impact on those being deported and the countries receiving them.
Key points
- The US has deported over 25,000 foreign nationals to third countries since Donald Trump's return to the White House.
- The deportations are part of agreements with 35 countries, with 49 of 54 African countries approached to accept deported individuals.
- The US has allocated $410 million for these deportation agreements, with concerns raised about the rights of those being deported.
