Amnesty International challenges legality of US deportation of migrants to Eswatini
Amnesty International has raised objections to a recent United States deportation operation that brought a group of migrants to Eswatini, describing the transfer as unlawful and raising broader concerns about the use of third countries as removal destinations. The rights group said the latest arrival underscores the legal and humanitarian risks of such arrangements.
Details of the latest transfer
According to Amnesty International, eleven migrants arrived in Mbabane on Wednesday, part of an ongoing effort by the administration of President Donald Trump to expand its immigration enforcement programme. The organisation criticised the manner in which the individuals were selected and removed, arguing that the process bypassed standard safeguards designed to protect vulnerable people from being sent to countries where they may face harm.
Amnesty’s legal concerns
Amnesty International has argued that third-country deportations, particularly to states that are not the migrant’s country of origin, must meet strict legal thresholds. The group has previously warned that sending individuals to countries with which they have no connection can violate international obligations and leave deportees without support networks, legal status, or access to asylum procedures. In this case, the organisation has called on Washington and Mbabane to halt further transfers until the legal framework is reviewed.
Broader context of US immigration policy
The deportations to Eswatini are part of a wider push by the Trump administration to step up removals and to expand cooperation with countries willing to accept foreign nationals who are not their own citizens. Human rights organisations have consistently questioned the legality and ethics of such arrangements, particularly when the receiving country has limited infrastructure to support the new arrivals. Eswatini, one of Africa’s smallest monarchies, has previously been identified as a possible partner in these arrangements, a development that has drawn criticism from civil society groups.
Calls for transparency and review
Amnesty has urged both governments to disclose the legal basis for the transfers, the criteria used to select the deportees, and the conditions they will face on arrival. The rights group warned that without independent oversight and proper legal review, the policy risks exposing vulnerable people to abuse, indefinite detention, or refoulement. It has called for the suspension of the programme pending a transparent assessment of its compliance with international human rights standards.
The controversy is likely to add to international scrutiny of US immigration enforcement practices, particularly those involving partnerships with countries far from the United States. Rights organisations have said they will continue to monitor the situation and document the treatment of those affected.
Source: Africanews — read the original report.
