Controversial Deportation: US Sends Iraqi Refugee to Rwanda

The United States has deported Iraqi refugee Omar Abdulsattar Ameen to Rwanda, amid allegations of his involvement with the Islamic State. Both the Biden and Trump administrations pursued his removal after accusing him of lying on his refugee application. Rwanda has emerged as a destination for third-country removals.

The U.S. government has deported Iraqi refugee Omar Abdulsattar Ameen to Rwanda, as confirmed by an anonymous official and internal communication. Ameen, granted refugee status in the U.S. in 2014, denied accusations of being linked to the Islamic State and a murder charge in Iraq.

Despite a judge ruling the accusations against Ameen as implausible in 2021, both the Biden and Trump administrations sought his removal, claiming he misrepresented his interactions with terrorist groups on his refugee application. Ameen's deportation was executed earlier this month, although U.S. and Rwandan officials have withheld comments.

Rwanda has established itself as a recipient of migrants under new removal programs, having previously agreed to a similar arrangement with the UK. Ameen's case, involving security concerns and legal challenges, underscores ongoing debates about refugee resettlement and foreign deportations.

(With inputs from agencies.)