A flight carrying five men with serious criminal convictions landed in Eswatini, marking the first use of Trump’s revived “third-country” deportation policy since the Supreme Court gave it a green light last month. It’s a big shift — migrants from Cuba, Jamaica, Vietnam, Laos, and Yemen were sent to a nation they’ve likely never even heard of. That’s sparking hard questions about safety and fairness.
Why US Deportees sent to Eswatini?
This tiny country, tucked between South Africa and Mozambique, isn’t a usual partner in U.S. immigration schemes. DHS said Eswatini agreed to accept “uniquely barbaric” criminals — people their home countries reportedly refused to take. But there’s almost zero information on how or why that deal was made. Critics wonder if the U.S. offered incentives. Did the U.S. promise money or political favors in return? And how is Eswatini supposed to handle these migrants — legally, socially, financially?
How the Legal Shift Happened
Late June, the U.S. Supreme Court removed prior limits on sending migrants to third countries without letting them fight it in court. Now DHS and ICE can notify migrants just 24 hours — even six in emergencies — before deporting them. Acting ICE head Todd Lyons issued a memo giving officers wide authority. That memo’s now in action.
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Fast timelines: In dire cases, migrants could be deported within six hours.
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Required consultation: Migrants must be allowed to talk to a lawyer — but that’s the minimal legal protection.
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Safe country pledge: Eswatini reportedly promised not to torture or persecute them.
They weren’t “barbaric criminals,” and their home nation didn’t refuse them. DHS made a backroom deal to deport them to Eswatini... an absolute monarchy known for violent crackdowns and political repression. This isn’t deportation. It’s banishment and borderline genocide. pic.twitter.com/I3P4eYHBs8
— WarMonitor (@TheWarMonitor) July 16, 2025
What This Means for Migrants & U.S. Communities
On one hand, this feeds into Trump’s campaign message of “zero tolerance” on crime and illegal immigration. Deporting dangerous individuals overseas may reassure some Americans.
But human rights advocates are alarmed. These men have no ties in Eswatini. They could end up:
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Stranded with no support
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Unable to find work or shelter
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Facing social stigma in a foreign land
Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned the high court that deporting people to countries like South Sudan or Eswatini could send them into danger. She called the policy reckless and urged caution.
Eswatini: Landlocked, Small, Unprepared?
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has about 1.1 million residents. It’s a small place with limited resources, battling high poverty and HIV rates. U.S. aid used to support its health system, especially HIV care — until funding cuts under Trump last year forced clinics to close and patients to struggle for meds. Now, Eswatini is on the hook again — but this time for criminal deportees it didn’t ask for.
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Healthcare strain: Local clinics already stretched thin.
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Security worries: No idea how Eswatini police or prisons will adapt.
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Social tensions: Imagine villagers meeting criminal deportees with no shared language or background.
No one’s talked about these deeper local effects yet. It’s more than politics — it’s human lives, countries with limited infrastructure, and international responsibility.
What We Know so Far
- Number deported: Five men, from Cuba, Jamaica, Vietnam, Laos, Yemen.
- Crimes cited: Child rape, murder, assault and battery, robbery, gun possession.
- Legal change: Supreme Court removes obstacles for third-country deportations.
- Country agreement: Eswatini agreed to take the men under the promise of safety.
The future is bigger than Eswatini: Immigration shake-up
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier this month, eight men were deported to South Sudan under the same policy. The U.S. is also discussing with several other countries — Rwanda, Nigeria, Moldova, Mongolia — in terms of building up third-country deportation capacity; similar to the controversial UK-Rwanda plan that has faced legal challenges.
For migrants in the U.S. this means new places — with uncertain results. For the U.S. it means attempting to jump the legal barriers. For countries like Eswatini, it may mean a greater weight they never would have expected.
What Happens Next?
Where will the deportees head next? Will they receive housing, legal support, work permits?
Did Eswatini receive any promised aid? Money, or political dealings associated with taking in migrants?
Could further migrants be sent? The government seemed to nod towards more flights, contingent on other countries assisting.
What's the legal follow-up? Will courts take action? Will migrants appeal from other countries?
Casual Reaction from Social Media
On X (formerly Twitter), @BillMelugin_ wrote”
BREAKING: DHS announces a third country ICE deportation flight has landed in the tiny African country of Eswatini. On board were egregious criminal illegal aliens, including three convicted murderers and a convicted child rapist. Nationalities: Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, & Cuba. pic.twitter.com/VTHkjTGG4E
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 16, 2025
These voices show the mix of anger, confusion, and fear swirling around this decision.
Why This Matters to You
- If you’re located in the U.S. — this alters the way immigration enforcement works. Dangerous or not, consequence or not, people could end up anywhere quickly.
- If you’re located in Eswatini — this puts unexpected commitments on new deportees on the healthcare, law enforcement, and social support systems.
- If you’re someone concerned about rights — this rings the bell of a global shift on rules and laws. Accountability, due process and transparency don’t feel fresh anymore.
What No One’s Talking About Yet
- Impact of aid: Eswatini’s health system is now hit twice — once because of U.S. funding cuts, and now because Eswatini has taken on a forced responsibility for new deportees.
- Lack of local voices: We haven’t heard from Eswatini police, social workers, or community activists.
- Long-term burden: Deportees with a history of crime will require some level of monitoring, which represents resources, money, planning. How can Eswatini manage?
What to Watch in Coming Weeks
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Status updates - Will DHS say if more flights are planned?
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Eswatini response - Will their government provide details or push back?
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Court actions - Will migrants file appeals or seek asylum?
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International deals - Will more countries sign on or refuse?
