US Deports 15 Migrants to Liberia as Trump Expands Third-Country Removals to 30 Nations
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Sep 15
US Deports 15 Migrants to Liberia as Trump Expands Third-Country Removals to 30 Nations
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Sep 15
Summary
15 non-Liberian deportees flown to Monrovia on Aug. 20 said they were sent from the U.S. to Liberia without prior notice and now feel stranded, with spouses and children still in America.
Most interviewed migrants had won U.S. court protections blocking removal to their home countries over persecution or torture risks, but were still targeted because they lacked permanent legal status.
CBS News said it found no criminal charge or conviction for the vast majority of those sent to Liberia beyond immigration violations, despite administration claims its crackdown targets the 'worst of the worst.'
Liberia agreed in August to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees and has so far received only this 15-person group; the U.S. has secured similar arrangements with more than 30 countries.
The deportees are housed in a remote hotel rather than detention, aided by the U.N. migration agency, but many reject staying in Liberia permanently and say returning home could put them in danger.