US deported over 25,000 migrants under third-country deals

The United States has deported more than 25,000 migrants to countries with which they had no previous connection under agreements reached with foreign governments, according to an international investigation published Monday.

The investigation found that the administration of President Donald Trump has reached or pursued agreements with 35 countries to accept migrants who cannot be directly returned to their home countries.

According to data compiled by Forbidden Stories and a group of international journalists, at least 25,447 people had been sent to third countries by August 31, 2026.

Mexico received the largest number, with around 20,000 deportees. The remaining migrants were sent to 27 countries across Latin America, Africa and the Pacific. Agreements have also been finalised with seven additional countries.

The arrangements differ from country to country. Some agreements specify which nationalities can be transferred, while others include provisions concerning migrants with criminal records.

The investigation also found that the US government has set aside around $410 million to support the deportation arrangements. The money is intended for receiving governments as well as international organisations involved in the process.

An investigation earlier this year reported that Washington had used visa restrictions and other measures to encourage some African countries to accept migrants deported from the United States.

Legal experts cited in the investigations expressed concerns about the treatment of deportees. They said some migrants could be detained in countries where they have no family, legal status or established ties.

According to the investigation, 49 of Africa’s 54 countries had been approached about accepting people deported from the US.

A State Department unit known as the Office of Remigration has reportedly been involved in negotiating many of the agreements. The office was established in May 2025 and is headed by diplomat Christian Jove Ehrhardt.

Cameroon signed an agreement with the US in December to accept third-country deportees. The country later signed a five-year health assistance programme worth nearly $400 million.

The US subsequently announced another $30 million for the UN Refugee Agency in Cameroon. The funding was intended to support voluntary refugee returns and efforts to address irregular migration.

The first flight carrying deportees under the arrangement reportedly arrived in Cameroon on January 14.

Some agreements have involved direct financial payments to governments. Palau, a Pacific island nation with a population of fewer than 18,000, agreed in December 2025 to accept up to 75 third-country nationals in exchange for $7.5 million.

So far, only three people have reportedly been transferred to Palau under the deal.

Eswatini has received 32 deportees since July 2025 under an agreement allowing up to 160 people to be transferred. The deal is reportedly worth more than $5 million and includes migrants with criminal records.

State Department records cited in the investigation showed that $81 million of the planned $410 million was allocated for governments that signed the agreements.

More than $178 million was earmarked for the International Organization for Migration, while another $123 million was intended for the UN Refugee Agency.

The involvement of international organisations has drawn criticism. UNHCR said it was not a party to the bilateral agreements and that US funding was being used in accordance with its mandate.

The International Organization for Migration said its involvement was based on whether its participation could improve conditions for affected migrants.