Trump Admin Seeks Deportation Deals with African and European Nations

The Trump administration is pursuing deportation agreements with countries outside the Western Hemisphere, including Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and several other nations in Africa and Europe. According to internal federal documents obtained by CBS News, these diplomatic efforts aim to convince distant countries to accept migrants who are not their citizens. The administration has approached nations like Benin, Eswatini, Libya, Moldova, and Rwanda as potential recipients for deportees from the United States.

This initiative expands on existing agreements with Latin American countries that have already accepted non-citizen deportees. In recent months, the U.S. has deported hundreds of African and Asian migrants to Costa Rica and Panama, while nearly 300 Venezuelans accused of gang membership were sent to El Salvador. Guatemala and Mexico have also participated in similar arrangements, accepting migrants from other countries who were apprehended at or near the U.S. southern border.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed these efforts during a White House cabinet meeting, stating that the administration is 'actively searching for other countries to take people from third countries.' The deportation strategy appears to focus particularly on suspected members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that President Trump has highlighted in his immigration enforcement agenda. Internal documents suggest these agreements could be used specifically to deport individuals identified as members of this organization.

Critics and immigration experts have raised questions about the legal, political, and humanitarian implications of these arrangements. Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute, noted concerns about whether the U.S. will ensure deportees are not mistreated in receiving countries. A court ruling from April requires the administration to inform deportees of their destination and allow screening for potential harm concerns. Despite potential limitations or legal challenges, analysts suggest these agreements serve as deterrents to unauthorized migration.

The approach mirrors similar efforts by other Western nations facing migration challenges. The United Kingdom previously attempted a 'safe third country' deal with Rwanda, while Albania agreed to host migrants in Italian custody, though both arrangements faced legal obstacles. The Trump administration had implemented similar policies during its first term with El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, which were later discontinued by the Biden administration.