Human Rights Watch accuses US of unlawful deportations to Africa

The United States government has expelled more than 500 migrants to third-party African countries where they are not citizens, according to BBC News reporting on a new report by Human Rights Watch. The rights group stated that the deportations violate the law and exploit human suffering to deter future migration. Human Rights Watch cited official United States data for the figures. [1]

Human Rights Watch reported that many of the deported individuals have no practical option except to return to their home countries. The group warned that these migrants face potential harm upon returning to their nations of origin. In response to the report, the United States Department of Homeland Security stated that third-country removals serve as an essential public safety tool to remove dangerous individuals. [1]

Donald Trump signed several executive orders related to immigration after taking office for his second term as President of the United States on January 20, 2025. These measures expanded migrant detention pending removal proceedings, declared a national emergency at the southern border, and blocked asylum seekers from entering the country. [2]