Eswatini officials have confirmed the arrival of these individuals in Mbabane, the nation’s capital. According to Eswatini’s Ministry of Home Affairs, the deportees are being held in a secure facility as arrangements are made for their eventual return to their countries of origin.
This action is part of a broader agreement established earlier in the year. It allows the U.S. to deport up to 160 individuals to Eswatini. In return, the U.S. has reportedly pledged over $5 million to provide logistical and administrative assistance to the kingdom.
This recent deportation follows a similar event in July, when five individuals from various countries, including Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen, were sent to Eswatini under the same agreement. These individuals remain in detention within Eswatini.
The practice of “third-country deportations” gained prominence under the previous administration. This legal mechanism enables the U.S. to deport individuals to a country other than their own when returning them to their home country is deemed impractical or impossible. Proponents of this approach argue that it is a necessary tool for enforcing immigration laws effectively, particularly when countries of origin are unwilling to accept their nationals.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, stated that the individuals deported to Eswatini had complex cases, with their home countries unwilling to take them back.
While some criticize this policy, suggesting it may not fully align with international human rights standards, proponents emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law and securing our borders.
The U.S.–Eswatini agreement is the first of its kind in Africa. Some analysts suggest that Eswatini, one of the world’s last absolute monarchies, may view this agreement as a way to strengthen its relationship with the United States.
As of recent reports, neither the U.S. Department of Homeland Security nor the government of Eswatini has released the names of the individuals most recently deported.
One individual, from Jamaica, has already been returned to his home country with the cooperation of his government. The government of Eswatini anticipates that two others will soon follow. This collaboration underscores the commitment to working with other nations to resolve these complex situations. The United States continues to prioritize securing its borders and upholding the law.
