US Deports Immigrants to Eswatini, Africa's Last Absolute Monarchy
In a move that has raised concerns among human rights groups, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has begun deporting immigrants to Eswatini, a landlocked nation in southern Africa that is the world's last remaining absolute monarchy.
According to sources, ICE officials have been transporting up to 160 so-called "third country nationals" - immigrants who entered the US from other countries - to Eswatini under a deal signed with the Trump administration in May. The agreement allows the US to pay Eswatini $5.1 million to take in these individuals.
"We're working closely with our international partners to ensure that those who are not eligible to remain in the United States are removed and returned to their countries of origin or, in some cases, third countries," said a spokesperson for ICE, who wished to remain anonymous.
The deal has sparked outrage among human rights groups, who point out that Eswatini's human rights record is questionable. "Eswatini is one of the most repressive regimes on the continent," said Sipho Gcaba, a leading human rights activist in South Africa. "It's unacceptable for the US to be sending people there."
King Mswati III, who has ruled Eswatini since 1986, has been accused of suppressing dissent and opposition. In a speech last year, he warned that mercenaries would be used to kill political activists if necessary.
Eswatini's human rights record is marred by allegations of torture, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on freedom of expression. The country has also faced criticism for its treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The US agreement with Eswatini is part of a broader trend of countries outsourcing their immigration enforcement to other nations. "This is a disturbing trend that raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of those being deported," said Jennifer Quigley, executive director of Human Rights First.
ICE officials have defended the deal, saying it will help alleviate pressure on US detention centers. However, critics argue that it is a thinly veiled attempt to avoid accountability for human rights abuses.
As the deportations continue, human rights groups are calling on the US government to reconsider its agreement with Eswatini and ensure that those being deported are not sent to countries where they may face persecution or harm.
Background:
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, gained independence from British colonial rule in 1968. King Mswati III has ruled the country since 1986, when he was just 18 years old. The country's absolute monarchy is one of the few remaining on the African continent.
The US-Eswatini agreement is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to outsource its immigration enforcement to other countries. In recent months, the US has signed similar deals with several nations, including Guatemala and Honduras.
Additional Perspectives:
"This deal is a betrayal of the trust that immigrants have placed in the US government," said Maria Rodriguez, a leading advocate for immigrant rights. "We will continue to fight against this policy and ensure that those being deported are treated with dignity and respect."
The Eswatini government has not commented on the agreement or the deportations.
Current Status:
As of press time, up to 160 immigrants have been deported to Eswatini under the US-Eswatini agreement. ICE officials say they will continue to transport individuals to the country until the deal is completed.
Human rights groups are calling on the US government to reconsider its agreement with Eswatini and ensure that those being deported are not sent to countries where they may face persecution or harm.
*Reporting by Motherjones.*
