Trump Administration Moves to Finalize Rwanda Deportation Deal Amid Migration Crackdown

Download IPFS

The Trump administration is in the process of finalizing an agreement with Rwanda to accept deported illegal immigrants from the United States, with Rwandan officials reportedly agreeing to take in up to 250 individuals. The development, reported on Wednesday by Al Jazeera, appears to mark a recent advancement in previously tentative discussions, which earlier this year were described by outlets such as The New York Times and PBS as being in the early stages.

Under the proposed deal, Rwanda would have the ability to evaluate each individual case and approve deportees on a case-by-case basis, according to Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo. If completed, Rwanda would join a small list of African countries in discussions with the US over third-country resettlement options. While some reports have suggested that South Sudan and Eswatini may have previously received deportees, there is no confirmed evidence of formal deportation agreements between these nations and Washington.

A US Department of State official reportedly told Fox News Digital that the United States is working with Rwanda and other foreign governments on “mutual priorities” that include curbing illegal migration and enhancing border security. These arrangements are seen as part of a broader effort to manage deportation cases, particularly when countries of origin are unwilling to accept their nationals.

Earlier claims that the US deported 13 individuals described as dangerous criminals to South Sudan and Eswatini last month remain unverified. Current publicly available data more clearly reflects deportations to Latin American nations, including Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama, and El Salvador.

The Trump administration has previously signaled an interest in third-country resettlement policies as part of a tougher immigration stance. In early 2022, Rwanda struck a similar deal with the United Kingdom to receive migrants seeking asylum there. However, the UK Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that Rwanda could not be legally deemed a “safe third country,” and the policy was abandoned following a change in government.

Critics of the emerging US-Rwanda agreement have voiced concerns over Rwanda’s human rights record and its capacity to provide safety for migrants. Still, supporters argue such international cooperation is necessary for ensuring immigration laws are enforced and reducing the burden on US communities.

While some outlets have claimed a US Supreme Court ruling in July 2025 upheld the administration’s authority to deport migrants to third countries, this assertion has not been confirmed by publicly available court records and remains unverified.

A White House official is said to have expressed frustration with the current administration’s approach to border enforcement, reportedly blaming President Joe Biden’s policies for an influx of illegal immigration. That remark, however, has not been independently corroborated.

If finalized, the Rwanda deal would signal a continuing shift toward stricter immigration enforcement, highlighting the Trump administration’s strategy of leveraging foreign partnerships to manage deportation logistics and reinforce US sovereignty.