The United States has deported a group of foreign nationals labeled as “criminal illegal aliens” to Eswatini after their countries of origin reportedly refused to accept them back, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced.
In a post on the social media platform X on July 16, 2025, DHS stated that the individuals were expelled on a third-country deportation flight due to their “uniquely barbaric” behavior. The post read: “Today, DHS conducted a third country deportation flight to Eswatini. These criminal illegal aliens are so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back.”
The statement added, “Under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump, we are removing these convicted criminals from our soil so they can never hurt another American victim.”
DHS detailed the criminal records of the five deportees, who are citizens of Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen. Their crimes ranged from second-degree murder and burglary to child rape and aggravated assault.
One deportee from Laos was convicted of second-degree murder and burglary, receiving a 20-year sentence. A Cuban national, identified as a confirmed gang member, was convicted of first-degree murder and other violent offenses. The Yemeni individual faced convictions including second-degree homicide and assault.
The deportation caused outrage in Eswatini, where citizens expressed shock and concern over the lack of prior public notice or government transparency. The Eswatini government acknowledged “widespread concern” and confirmed the five individuals are being held in isolated units within correctional facilities, assuring the public they pose no threat.
“Eswatini and the US will work with the United Nations’ immigration agency to facilitate the transit of the deportees to their countries of origin,” said government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli.
This deportation follows a recent US trend of sending migrants to third countries after court restrictions on such actions were lifted. Earlier in July, the US deported eight migrants to South Sudan under similar arrangements.
The move is part of broader immigration policy shifts under the Trump administration, which has intensified efforts to deport individuals residing in the US illegally, including expanding targets to those on student visas and suspending some refugee admissions.
Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy and a small kingdom in southern Africa, has not disclosed whether financial arrangements were made for accepting the deportees. Analysts speculate the country may be aiming to maintain key trade relations with the US, particularly in sugar exports.
The deportations have drawn criticism from pro-democracy groups in Eswatini, who condemn the country becoming a “dumping ground” for criminals and call for stronger protections for citizens.
The Trump administration has also deported individuals to countries including El Salvador and Costa Rica as part of its intensified immigration crackdown.
This case continues to raise questions about the ethics and legality of third-country deportations and the responsibilities of nations involved in these transfers. Investigations and public debates are ongoing on both sides of the Atlantic.
