US Deports ‘Uniquely Barbaric’ Criminals To Eswatini

The United States has expelled a group of foreign nationals labeled as “criminal illegal aliens” to Eswatini after their countries of origin reportedly declined to accept their return, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In a post on the social media platform X, DHS announced that the individuals were removed via a third-country deportation flight due to what it described as their “uniquely barbaric” behavior. The post, shared early on 16 July 2025, stated: “Today, DHS conducted a third country deportation flight to Eswatini. These criminal illegal aliens are so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back.”

The statement further noted, “Under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump, we are removing these convicted criminals from our soil so they can never hurt another American victim.”

DHS outlined the criminal backgrounds of the five deportees, who are citizens of Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen. The cited offenses ranged from second-degree murder and burglary to child r@pe and aggravated assault.

A Laotian citizen was convicted of second-degree murder and burglary, receiving a 20-year sentence. A Cuban national, identified as a confirmed gang member, was convicted of first-degree murder and other violent crimes. The Yemeni individual faced convictions for second-degree homicide and assault, among other charges.

The deportation triggered significant backlash in Eswatini, where residents voiced shock and concern over the lack of prior public notification or government transparency regarding the transfer. Eswatini’s government acknowledged “widespread concern” and confirmed that the five individuals are being held in isolated units within correctional facilities, assuring citizens that they pose no threat.

“Eswatini and the US will work with the United Nations’ immigration agency to facilitate the transit of the deportees to their countries of origin,” government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said.

This deportation aligns with a recent trend by the US of transferring migrants to third countries following the lifting of judicial restrictions on such actions. Earlier in July, the US deported eight migrants to South Sudan under comparable arrangements.

The action reflects broader immigration policy changes under the Trump administration, which has escalated efforts to deport individuals residing in the US illegally, including expanding targets to include those on student visas and suspending certain refugee admissions.

Eswatini, a small southern African kingdom and Africa’s last absolute monarchy, has not revealed whether any financial agreements were made for accepting the deportees. Analysts suggest the country may be aiming to maintain crucial trade relationships with the US, particularly in the sugar export sector.

The deportations have faced criticism from pro-democracy groups in Eswatini, who denounce the country becoming a “dumping ground” for criminals and demand stronger safeguards for citizens.

The Trump administration has also deported individuals to other nations, including El Salvador and Costa Rica, as part of its immigration enforcement efforts.

The case continues to raise complex questions about the ethics and legality of third-country deportations and the responsibilities of the nations involved in managing such transfers. Investigations and public discourse persist on both sides of the Atlantic.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli