On October 6, the Trump administration deported ten individuals to Eswatini, a small nation in Southern Africa. This flight marks the second deportation to Eswatini in just a few months. The U.S. government continues to implement its strict immigration policies, focusing on removing undocumented immigrants.
Details of the Deportation Flight
Eswatini’s government confirmed receiving the ten deportees, adding to an earlier group of five sent in July. A White House spokesperson stated that those deported were serious criminals, although neither country disclosed the nationalities of the individuals. Immigration attorney Tin Thanh Nguyen reported that among the recent deportees were three individuals from Vietnam, one from the Philippines, one from Cambodia, and five others of unspecified nationalities.
Concerns Raised by Activists
Legal representatives and activists have raised concerns about the deportees’ treatment in Eswatini. Nguyen mentioned difficulties in communicating with his clients, stating that the Eswatini government blocks attorney access to those in custody. Activists are challenging the legality of the agreement between Eswatini and the Trump administration regarding these deportations.
- First group in July: Five deportees from multiple countries
- August 2025: Ongoing protests against the deportation agreement
- Deportees include serious criminals: charges like murder and rape confirmed
Eswatini’s Position
Eswatini, a landlocked kingdom bordering South Africa, has not publicly revealed the terms of its agreement with the U.S. government. The kingdom is currently facing legal challenges from local groups claiming the deportations are illegal.
Future Implications and Legal Actions
Human rights activists continue to voice concerns over the conditions faced by deportees, with reports indicating that the first group was held in solitary confinement. Eswatini’s Department of Correctional Services emphasized its commitment to humane treatment while the deportees await repatriation to their home countries.
The Trump administration’s ongoing focus on deportation highlights its broader strategy of increasing removals to third countries. While some nations refuse to accept deportees, the U.S. continues to push for compliance from countries like Eswatini.
