As part of its third-country deportation efforts, the Trump Administration has made an agreement with Liberia, which will welcome 1,200 deportees from the United States over the next year. This agreement marks one of the largest known third-country deals that the administration has struck.
On August 20, 2026, 20 individuals were sent on the first flight under this agreement. While several migrants disembarked amid concerns that officials would otherwise force them to leave the plane, at least six migrants were reported to resist disembarking and were subsequently flown to Equatorial Guinea, another country with which the United States has a third-country deportation agreement. This included four Cuban men, a Brazilian individual, and a Cameroonian woman who resisted disembarkation out of fear for the dangers they might encounter living in Liberia, which is not their country of origin. Allegedly, once back on the plane, they were told they would return to the United States only to later land in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
In Malabo, the migrants were reportedly greeted with an equally frightening experience from dozens of masked officers armed with semiautomatic firearms. The individuals were allegedly handcuffed and taken to a remote, patrolled hotel where other deportees had been held.
This instance marks the first reported third-country deportation in which migrants have refused to deplane and were flown to another third country. Immigration professionals have voiced various concerns, particularly the speed at which the administration redirected the migrants to a second third country and the widespread fear reportedly expressed by those aboard the flight. Many are questioning whether a “defined, transparent process” was followed.
The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the situation beyond sharing that they were “applying law as written” and that the migrants were “deported to a safe third country.”
Third Country Deportations Under the Trump Administration
Nonprofit organizations Human Rights First and Refugees International’s tool, Third Country Deportation Watch, reports that the Trump administration has made deportation deals with 35 countries. Several countries are across Africa and the Americas, with a couple of agreements made with Asian and European countries.
Advocates remain concerned that such removals are being used as a loophole to return asylum seekers to countries they had initially fled. These efforts have also raised fear and uncertainty for those expelled to countries where they have no real ties.
Contact an Experienced Deportation Attorney Today
Reeves Immigration Law Group has served immigrants and their loved ones for over 40 years, achieving success in some of the most complex cases. We understand that consistently changing legislation can be overwhelming, and we are here to provide you with up-to-date guidance to ensure compliance.
Whether you are concerned about potential deportation or detention, or your family’s legal rights, our team of skilled and knowledgeable deportation attorneys is here to help you achieve your desired legal results and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to discuss your specific legal concerns and needs with one of our experienced deportation lawyers.
