U.S. Deports Convicted Criminals to Third-Party African Nations

The United States government has implemented a Third Country Deportees policy, removing convicted criminals and security risks to African nations that agree to accept them, regardless of the individuals' citizenship. Under this program, at least 20 people have been deported to countries including Eswatini, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda. In July 2025, eight men convicted of violent crimes from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Vietnam, and South Sudan were sent to Juba, South Sudan, following a Supreme Court of the United States ruling that permitted expedited removals to third countries.

In South Sudan, seven foreign nationals remain in custody while officials determine their status, though the government has denied the existence of a formal, broad agreement with Washington, calling the July arrival a one-time arrangement. Similarly, five individuals convicted of murder and child rape were deported to Eswatini in July. This sparked a legal challenge in Eswatini's High Court to nullify the agreement on constitutional grounds, amid reports that the deportees are being held in maximum-security prisons without charges.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defended the program as a victory for the rule of law and American security. However, critics and legal advocates argue the administration used diplomatic pressure and foreign aid leverage to force these deals. Separately, the Government of South Sudan and the Palestinian Authority have both rejected reports that South Sudan would resettle Palestinian civilians from Gaza as part of a plan involving Israel and the United Arab Emirates.