Trump-Era deportation policy sends five violent offenders to African monarchy

The United States has deported five foreign nationals convicted of violent crimes to Eswatini, a small southern African kingdom ruled by an absolute monarchy. The deportees are citizens of Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam, and Yemen.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the individuals were removed from the country as part of President Donald Trump’s intensified deportation campaign targeting undocumented migrants.

The DHS stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the deportees had committed “uniquely barbaric” crimes, including child rape and murder, and that their home countries refused to accept them.

The controversial practice of deporting individuals to third-party countries, those that are not their home nations, has raised alarms among human rights groups and legal experts.

Critics argue it could violate international law by exposing individuals to risks such as torture, abduction, or other inhumane treatment.

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Upon arrival in Eswatini’s capital, Mbabane, the five men were transferred under tight security to Matsapha Maximum Correctional Centre.

The Eswatini government confirmed that they are being held in isolated units and assured citizens that they pose no threat.

“These inmates will be facilitated for transit to their countries of origin,” said government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli.

Matsapha prison, where the deportees are being housed, is known for holding political prisoners and has faced criticism for overcrowding and poor conditions.

A prison official disclosed that the men were placed in newly constructed cells.

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is Africa’s last absolute monarchy.

King Mswati III, who has ruled since 1986, has been frequently criticised for his extravagant lifestyle amid widespread poverty and alleged human rights violations in the country.

This deportation comes shortly after the US deported eight other convicted criminals to South Sudan, another country facing political instability.

The group included nationals from Cuba, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Mexico, and South Sudan itself.