Trump administration expands global deportation strategy with new deals
Team Finance Saathi
02/Apr/2025
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What's covered under the Article:
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Trump administration negotiates global deals for migrant deportations to third-party nations.
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US officials push for "safe third country" agreements to curb asylum seekers at the border.
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Legal and human rights concerns arise over the treatment of deported migrants in new host nations.
The Trump administration is intensifying its immigration enforcement policies by negotiating agreements with multiple countries to accept migrants deported from the US—even if they are not citizens of those nations. This initiative is aimed at overcoming legal and logistical hurdles in expelling individuals facing deportation orders.
The move follows a February operation in which over 100 Middle Eastern migrants were sent to Panama, where authorities detained them and began repatriation efforts. Now, the administration plans to expand this model globally, striking deals with nations in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Countries Involved in the Negotiations
According to officials, discussions are ongoing with countries including Libya, Rwanda, Benin, Eswatini, Moldova, Mongolia, and Kosovo. These nations may accept deported individuals in exchange for financial incentives, diplomatic support, or trade benefits.
Unlike formal treaties, these agreements are flexible, allowing host nations to decide the fate of the deported individuals—whether through detention, asylum, or further relocation.
Safe Third Country Agreements: A New Border Control Strategy
Parallel to these negotiations, the US is also working on "safe third country" agreements in Latin America. Countries like Honduras and Costa Rica are reportedly in talks to host asylum seekers who would otherwise apply in the US.
Under these agreements, migrants arriving at the US border could be required to seek asylum in these partner nations first, reducing the number of claims in the US.
Who’s Behind the Policy?
The key architect behind this aggressive deportation strategy is Stephen Miller, Trump's deputy chief of staff, known for his hardline immigration policies.
Miller has urged government agencies to identify new partner nations for deportations, especially as some, like Venezuela, refuse to accept deportees from the US.
Concerns Over Human Rights and Legal Challenges
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the safety and treatment of deported individuals in the countries being considered. For example:
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Libya has a history of migrant abuse, torture, and human rights violations.
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Rwanda has been criticized for political repression and mistreatment of refugees.
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Benin and Eswatini lack strong refugee protection frameworks, making deportees vulnerable.
Former National Security Council official Ricardo Zuniga has warned that these agreements may push vulnerable individuals into nations with poor legal protections.
The Use of Wartime Powers to Expedite Deportations
Adding to the controversy, Trump recently invoked the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to deport over 130 Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador, citing wartime authority.
This move was challenged in court and temporarily blocked, with a federal judge questioning whether the administration violated an injunction on mass deportations. The deportees are now held in El Salvador’s Cecot mega-prison, infamous for its harsh conditions.
International Comparisons and Past Failures
Trump’s strategy bears similarities to:
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The UK’s 2022 Rwanda deal, where asylum seekers were sent to Rwanda in exchange for $155 million in aid. The plan collapsed after intense legal and political opposition, with only four people ever relocated.
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The US-Guatemala "asylum cooperative agreement" from Trump's first term, which failed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and legal challenges.
Despite these setbacks, Trump’s team views these past deals as a blueprint for expanding global deportation routes.
The Future of Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
As Trump moves forward with his second-term immigration crackdown, his administration is crafting an extensive global deportation infrastructure. However, this plan faces:
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Legal battles from civil rights organizations and international courts.
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Diplomatic resistance from countries unwilling to cooperate.
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Ethical concerns over the treatment of deported individuals.
While Trump’s team believes these strategies will deter illegal immigration, critics argue they may spark international backlash and further complicate US foreign relations. As these policies unfold, they are expected to be a defining issue in upcoming elections and immigration debates.
This development in US immigration policy is set to have far-reaching implications, both for migrants and for the nations involved in these agreements. With legal challenges and diplomatic hurdles ahead, the effectiveness and morality of these deportation strategies remain highly contested.
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