UPDATE: New reports reveal the staggering cost of U.S. deportations has surged to $40 million, as the Trump administration’s immigration policies face mounting criticism for being “costly, wasteful, and poorly monitored.” This urgent development comes as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, calls for immediate scrutiny of a controversial third-country deportation strategy aimed at swiftly expelling migrants from America.
The findings, compiled by Democratic staff, detail how immigration authorities expanded this strategy over the past year to fulfill President Trump’s directive. The report indicates that approximately 300 migrants have been removed to countries other than their nations of origin, prompting fierce backlash from officials. The State Department, which oversees these arrangements, continues to endorse the third-country deportations as crucial to Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
During a recent Senate hearing, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the policy, stating, “We’ve arrested people that are members of gangs and we’ve deported them. We don’t want gang members in our country.” However, many lawmakers are questioning the efficacy of these measures. The report highlights payments ranging from $4.7 million to $7.5 million to nations including Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, and El Salvador for accepting deported migrants.
In March, El Salvador received approximately 250 Venezuelan nationals, but other countries reported significantly lower numbers, with only 29 individuals sent to Equatorial Guinea and none to Palau so far. Internal documents obtained by The Associated Press reveal that the Trump administration is negotiating 47 third-country deals, with 15 finalized and 10 nearing completion.
Democratic committee members express deep concern over the lack of transparency and due process in these arrangements. Critics argue that the “third country” approach jeopardizes the safety of deportees, leaving them vulnerable in nations notorious for human rights violations. During a recent trip to South Sudan, committee staff uncovered a fortified compound where deportees, including individuals from Vietnam and Mexico, were being held under armed security.
Sen. Shaheen and her colleagues highlight that in many instances, migrants were subsequently flown back to their countries of origin, raising questions about the overall purpose and efficiency of these deportations. “In many cases, migrants could have been returned directly to their countries of origin, avoiding unnecessary flights and additional costs,” Shaheen stated.
The report also raises alarms about the potential benefits these third-party nations might expect in exchange for accepting deportees. Following a recent agreement, South Sudan reportedly submitted a wishlist to the U.S. government, seeking support in prosecuting political opponents and lifting sanctions on officials implicated in corruption.
Concerns about the $7.5 million payment to Equatorial Guinea coinciding with attempts to strengthen ties with its controversial vice president, Teodoro “Teddy” Nguema Obiang, further complicate matters. Obiang, known for his extravagant lifestyle amid allegations of corruption, is under scrutiny from international law enforcement agencies.
As the situation develops, the pressure mounts on the Trump administration to address these criticisms and provide clarity on the future of its immigration policies. Lawmakers are calling for comprehensive reviews to ensure that the rights and safety of migrants are prioritized in any deportation strategy.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story, as the implications of these findings could reshape the landscape of U.S. immigration policy and its approach to deportations.
