West Africans Deported from US to Ghana Left Stranded in Togo Without Documents
A group of West African nationals deported from the United States to Ghana has been forcibly transferred to neighboring Togo, leaving them stranded and vulnerable without documentation or support.
According to lawyers and deportees, the men were removed from the US by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and held near Accra, Ghana's capital city. They claim they were then taken over the border into Togo and left on the streets without passports or identification. "We were dumped in Togo like trash," said one deportee, who wished to remain anonymous.
The development raises concerns about the treatment of migrants and refugees under the Trump administration's deportation program. The US has been criticized for its handling of deportations, with many arguing that it prioritizes speed over due process and fails to provide adequate support to those being deported.
Ghanaian officials have denied any wrongdoing, stating that they followed standard procedures in deporting the men to Ghana. However, lawyers representing the deportees argue that their clients were denied their rights under international law. "The US has a responsibility to ensure that individuals are treated humanely and with dignity," said Nana Oye Lithur, a lawyer who represents several of the deportees.
According to the deportees, they were held in a detention center near Accra for several days before being taken over the border into Togo. They claim that Ghanaian officials did not provide them with any documentation or support, leaving them without access to basic necessities such as food and shelter.
The situation has left many of the deportees struggling to survive in a foreign country. "We are in a difficult situation," said one deportee. "We don't have money, we don't have documents, and we don't know what to do."
Human rights groups have condemned the treatment of the deportees, calling for greater transparency and accountability in the deportation process. "The US has a responsibility to ensure that individuals are treated humanely and with dignity," said Nana Oye Lithur.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear how many deportees are stranded in Togo without documentation or support. However, one thing is clear: the treatment of these West African nationals raises serious concerns about the handling of deportations under the Trump administration's program.
In a statement, an ICE spokesperson said that the agency follows all applicable laws and regulations when conducting deportations. "ICE prioritizes the safety and well-being of individuals in our custody," the spokesperson added.
The situation highlights the need for greater cooperation between countries on issues related to migration and deportation. As one expert noted, "Deportation is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and planning."
This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.
