In a significant escalation of its immigration policies, the United States has forged new bilateral deportation agreements with Honduras and Uganda. These efforts are part of a broader strategy aimed at mitigating the influx of illegal migrants. Documents reviewed by the BBC's US partner, CBS, outline the specifics of these arrangements.
Under the terms of these agreements, Uganda is set to accept an undetermined number of migrants from Africa and Asia who had sought asylum on the US-Mexico border. Conversely, Honduras is prepared to receive several hundred individuals deported from Spanish-speaking countries. The agreements are positioned as an endeavor by the Trump administration to encourage additional countries to accept migrants who do not possess citizenship within those nations.
Human rights advocates have responded critically, warning that this policy could expose many migrants to potential danger in countries with inadequate protective measures. Notably, Uganda's commitment involves accepting deported individuals only if they do not have any criminal records, though the precise number of migrants it will accept remains unspecified.
Honduras's agreement allows for the reception of families travelling with children over a two-year period, with indications that the country could increase its intake beyond the initially discussed numbers. These developments are consistent with the Trump administration's efforts to establish deportation arrangements globally, often with countries facing scrutiny for their human rights conditions.
Recent actions included the signing of a "safe third country" accord with Paraguay to aid in managing illegal immigration. Meanwhile, Rwanda has announced its intent to resettle up to 250 US migrants, though with stipulations allowing them to approve each individual migrant, further highlighting concerns regarding compliance with human rights norms.
In recent months, nations like Panama and Costa Rica have similarly agreed to accept groups of African and Asian migrants. The Trump administration’s approach has included overtures to various countries including Ecuador and Spain, revealing a concerted effort to bolster deportation strategies.
Since beginning his second presidential term, Trump has intensified initiatives to remove undocumented migrants, a key commitment that has resonated with his voter base. The US Supreme Court's recent ruling has allowed the administration to continue deporting migrants to countries beyond their own without affording them the opportunity to present their geopolitical risks. This ruling faced dissent from Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, who labeled the decision “a gross abuse.” Criticism has also been voiced by UN rights experts and various human rights organizations, who allege that this practice infringes upon international law.
