A recent investigation by Forbidden Stories, a consortium of 72 journalists from 23 media outlets in 15 countries, has revealed that the United States has transferred at least 25,447 individuals to 28 third countries as of August 31, 2026. The majority of these transfers, approximately 20,000, were made to Mexico. These transfers are part of a broader effort by the US to deport individuals who cannot be returned directly to their countries of origin.
Since Donald Trump's return to the White House in January 2025, Washington has concluded agreements with countries in Latin America, Africa, and the Pacific to send individuals who cannot be deported to their home countries. According to the investigation, agreements have been signed with 35 countries, taking into account the nationalities concerned and the admission of individuals with judicial antecedents.
The investigation also found that 49 of the 54 African countries were approached by Washington to accept nationals from third countries. The negotiations were primarily conducted by the Office of Remigration, a department of the State Department created in May 2025, which is also responsible for payments related to these agreements.
One example of such an agreement is the protocol signed by Cameroon in December 2025, which allows the US to transfer individuals expelled from the country. The first plane carrying expelled individuals arrived in Cameroon on January 14, 2026. This agreement was accompanied by a $400 million healthcare program over five years.
Other agreements involve direct payments to countries that accept transferred individuals. For instance, the Pacific archipelago of Palau, with a population of less than 18,000, agreed to accept up to 75 nationals from third countries in exchange for $7.5 million. So far, only three individuals have been transferred to Palau. In Eswatini, 32 individuals have arrived since July 2025, out of a potential contingent of 160, as part of a $5 million agreement.
The total amount allocated for these transfers is $410 million, according to the investigation. Internal documents consulted by Forbidden Stories attribute $81 million to the signatory governments, while the remainder will be paid to international organizations, including over $178 million to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and $123 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The involvement of the IOM and UNHCR in these agreements has sparked criticism, with some arguing that it may legitimize the US deportation policy. The UNHCR has stated that it is not party to the bilateral agreements and uses American funds in accordance with its mandate, while the IOM has said it accepts funding when it allows for the improvement of the situation of concerned migrants.
Key points
- The US has transferred at least 25,447 individuals to 28 third countries under agreements with 35 countries.
- The transfers are part of a broader effort by the US to deport individuals who cannot be returned directly to their countries of origin.
- The agreements have sparked criticism, particularly regarding the involvement of international organizations such as the IOM and UNHCR.
