Since 2025, the Trump administration has deported more than 25,000 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers to nations where they have no citizenship or established connections, according to an investigation by the Guardian and 23 other news organizations coordinated by Forbidden Stories. Human rights lawyers characterize the arrangement as a demonstration of force intended to deter unauthorized entry into the United States.
The administration has negotiated 35 agreements with foreign governments to accept these deportees, with the US pledging at least $410 million to secure cooperation. According to internal records reviewed by the Washington Post, nearly one-third of the participating countries are located in Africa. The policy is led by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and operates through the newly created Office of Remigration within the State Department. Approximately 20,000 people have been sent to Mexico, while at least 5,000 others have been transported to countries throughout Latin America, Africa, Central Asia, and the Caribbean.
The administration contends the deportations target individuals with criminal histories. However, people interviewed for the investigation include a nurse from Sierra Leone, an Iranian political dissident, and a gay Ghanaian man who faced persecution. Immigration judges had previously ruled several of these individuals could remain in the US based on credible fears of harm. State Department documents indicate that a majority of the 35 countries with agreements have specified they will not accept individuals convicted of violent crimes.
Third countries have agreed to participate partly through financial incentives. The State Department has allocated millions in foreign aid to receiving nations and supporting UN operations within them. For example, Cameroon was offered $30 million in UN support funds in exchange for accepting 1,000 migrants, though only 44 have been sent. The Democratic Republic of Congo was promised $50 million for accepting 2,000 migrants, with only 15 received and flights suspended due to an Ebola outbreak.
A federal appeals court ruled the policy unlawful on Friday, finding it violated due process by failing to provide adequate notice or opportunity to contest deportation decisions. The government has 90 days to appeal the decision and indicated it intends to do so, stating the policy continues.
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