Eswatini Receives 10 Deportees from the US Under Controversial Trump-Era Deal

The Eswatini government has confirmed the arrival of 10 third-country nationals deported from the United States, marking the second batch of migrants sent to the small southern African kingdom under a controversial agreement with the Trump administration.

In a statement released on Monday, His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) said the group arrived safely and were being held in secure facilities while awaiting repatriation to their home countries.

“HMCS confirms the arrival of ten (10) third-country nationals from the United States of America,” the department said, adding that the individuals were in good health and undergoing the admission process.

The latest arrivals follow an initial five deportees received in July, hailing from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen. One of them — a Jamaican national — has since been repatriated, while two others are expected to be sent home soon.

Opaque deal sparks legal challenge

Eswatini’s government has not disclosed the full terms of its deportation agreement with the US, sparking widespread criticism from human rights groups and local activists, who have filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the deal.

Activists allege that the first group of deportees was held in solitary confinement, raising concerns over the conditions in which the migrants are being kept.

“HMCS remains committed to the humane treatment of all persons in its custody,” the correctional service said in response to growing scrutiny.

The US administration, led by President Donald Trump, has pledged to deport millions of immigrants living in the country illegally and expand removals to so-called third countries willing to accept non-nationals — a move critics say undermines international human rights norms.

The Eswatini government had earlier announced it expected 11 deportees in October, though one individual reportedly did not make the final flight.