CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 16 (AGCNewsNet) – The United States has deported five foreign nationals to Eswatini under an expansion of its third-country deportation policy, stirring controversy over secrecy, human rights concerns, and the African kingdom’s ability to manage high-risk individuals.

According to Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the deported men – nationals of Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos – were convicted of severe crimes including murder and child rape. One was allegedly a confirmed gang member. Their deportation follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift restrictions on transferring individuals to nations where they have no legal or familial ties.

The Biden administration described the men as “uniquely barbaric,” claiming their home countries refused to accept them. McLaughlin said they were “terrorizing American communities” and have now been removed from U.S. soil. Their names were not released, but their mugshots and alleged criminal histories were shared publicly.

This is the second time in recent weeks that the U.S. has sent third-country deportees to Africa. Earlier this month, eight men were sent to South Sudan, where authorities have yet to disclose their whereabouts or legal status. Civic organizations in both countries have raised concerns over the lack of transparency and the implications for national security and human rights.

In Eswatini, the government has not issued any official communication regarding the deportation deal. The small southern African kingdom, ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, is one of the world's last remaining absolute monarchies and has been widely criticized for its suppression of political dissent.

Pro-democracy group SWALIMO condemned the lack of consultation, warning that the country’s limited resources and fragile governance structures may be overwhelmed by hosting individuals with complex criminal histories. “This opacity makes it difficult for civic society to understand the implications,” said SWALIMO spokesperson Ingiphile Dlamini.

The deportations come amid reports that the U.S. is in talks with several African nations to accept third-country deportees in exchange for favorable trade, aid, or visa policies. Rwanda’s foreign minister confirmed ongoing discussions with the U.S. over a similar agreement.

While U.S. officials celebrate the deportations as a public safety achievement, critics warn of a dangerous precedent that could see vulnerable or politically unstable countries used as repositories for unwanted migrants.

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