In brief
A plane carrying Southeast Asian migrants deported from the U.S. has landed in Eswatini. The deportation is part of a controversial program initiated during the Trump administration, involving secret agreements with various nations. Deportees reported being detained without proper legal recourse, and human rights organizations have criticized the program for potential violations.
MANZINI, Eswatini — A flight carrying Southeast Asian migrants who were deported from the United States has landed in Eswatini, a lawyer confirmed on Monday. This deportation is part of the controversial program linked to the prior U.S. administration's third-country agreement, allowing the transfer of migrants to various African nations. Currently, Eswatini is facing criticism for its treatment of prior deportees, with reports of indefinite detention and lack of access to legal counsel for those already held. \\Tin Thanh Nguyen, attorney for two Vietnamese nationals aboard the flight, reported that at least nine individuals were included, with ongoing concerns about their legal status and treatment. The government of Eswatini has agreed to accept more deportees, raising implications about the nation's capacity to handle such transfers and uphold human rights protocols. Critics argue the U.S. is offloading individuals to countries with questionable legal processes, intensifying scrutiny on deportation policies and their humanitarian impact.
