Secretive Deportation Deals: The U.S. Program Sending Migrants to Africa

The U.S. continues deportations of third-country nationals to Cameroon under secretive deals. Legal loopholes are exploited to bypass protection orders, raising human rights concerns. The Trump administration has spent millions on this controversial program amid criticism of potential abuse risks in nations with poor human rights records.

In a series of controversial deportations, the United States has once again sent a group of third-country nationals to Cameroon. The move follows the Trump administration's secretive program, which involves sending migrants to nations they have no prior ties with—a tactic condemned by human rights advocates.

Lawyers reported that eight new deportees arrived in Cameroon under a program known for circumventing legal protection orders. Many of the deportees to Cameroon over recent months had previously been safeguarded by orders against deportation owing to fears of persecution or torture in their home countries. Critics argue that these moves exploit legal loopholes.

The U.S. government has faced scrutiny over this obscure program, which has seen millions spent on deals with countries like Cameroon, Eswatini, and several others. These agreements are part of a broader strategy to deter illegal migration to the U.S. Although officials claim the policy fortifies border security, activists warn of the severe risks posed to migrants sent to countries with questionable human rights records.

(With inputs from agencies.)