The West African country of Liberia has recently received migrants, including those from Latin America, deported from the United States. Approximately 20 individuals arrived in Liberia, marking the start of a significant deportation agreement.
A U.S. official disclosed that a small group of deportees resisted deplaning in Liberia. Though initially escorted off, they returned to the aircraft. Their current location is not known.
The arriving flight, operated by Eastern Airline, touched down at Roberts International Airport near Monrovia on August 20, 2026. This makes Liberia a participant in President Trump’s stringent approach to illegal immigration. The Liberian government is expected to accept up to 1,200 ‘third country’ deportees from the U.S. within a year. Those arriving can potentially seek asylum in Liberia.
The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia highlights complexities in these deportations. Wrongfully sent to El Salvador last year, Garcia was returned to the U.S. to face human smuggling charges. Currently, a Maryland federal judge has halted efforts to deport him to Liberia.
The Trump administration has established similar deportation agreements with numerous countries worldwide. These include African nations experiencing conflicts and human rights issues, such as South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Regular deportation flights also occur to countries like Ghana and Equatorial Guinea that agree to accept these deportees.
Human rights groups criticize these third country deportations, claiming they violate international law. They argue that sending individuals to places where they initially fled persecution is unethical.
The Trump administration maintains that these deportations are legal and necessary. Officials argue this strategy effectively discourages illegal immigration. Their focus targets migrants whose countries either refuse U.S. deportations or have granted legal protections preventing their return.
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