US Deports West Africans to Ghana, Denying Them Basic Rights in Detention

West Africans Deported by US Were Denied Their Rights, Lawyer Claims Eleven west African men deported by the United States to Ghana were denied their rights, according to a lawyer who represented them in court. The men had been held in dire conditions at a military camp after being sent back to their home country. Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the lawyer for the 11 men, said they had been returned to Ghana despite many fearing for their safety. "They were deported without regard for their rights or well-being," he stated. The US has increased its expulsions under President Donald Trump's administration, sending migrants to third countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, and El Salvador. Critics have accused the US of violating deportee rights in these cases. Ghanaian President John Mahama had announced that his country would accept 14 west African nationals deported by the US, with officials initially stating all 14 had been sent on to their home countries. However, lawyers for the 11 men said they were then held at a military camp. The 11 men filed a legal case seeking release from the camp, but it was rejected. Barker-Vormawor expressed disappointment with the decision, saying, "We will continue to fight for our clients' rights." Background on the issue shows that the US has been deporting migrants to third countries as part of its efforts to ramp up expulsions. Critics argue this practice can lead to human rights abuses and inhumane treatment. In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security stated that the agency follows all applicable laws when conducting deportations. "We take seriously any allegations of mistreatment or abuse," the spokesperson said. The case highlights concerns about the impact of US deportation policies on migrants' rights and safety. As the issue continues to unfold, advocates for migrant rights are calling for greater scrutiny of the US's deportation practices. In a statement, Amnesty International expressed concern over the treatment of the 11 men, saying, "We urge the Ghanaian authorities to ensure that these individuals receive fair treatment and protection from any potential harm." The case is ongoing, with lawyers for the 11 men planning to appeal the court's decision. The US Department of Homeland Security has declined to comment on the specific allegations but stated it would continue to follow applicable laws in conducting deportations. As the situation develops, advocates for migrant rights will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and what implications it may have for future deportation policies. *Reporting by Theguardian.*