Rwanda has accepted a new agreement with the United States to receive illegal immigrants deported under the Trump administration’s expanding third-country resettlement plan. The East African country will receive up to 250 deportees, with each individual subject to approval before relocation, according to Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo.
This move makes Rwanda the third country to support the US deportation strategy, following earlier deportations to South Sudan and Eswatini. In July, 13 undocumented men labeled as dangerous criminals were sent to those two countries after their home nations refused to receive them.
A White House official confirmed ongoing talks with multiple African nations to support efforts in relocating illegal immigrants from the US. The official added that the administration is working to remove individuals who were allowed into American communities under President Biden’s watch.
The policy shift gained legal backing when the US Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of deporting some migrants to countries other than their home nations. So far, deportations have included Venezuelans and other nationals sent to Costa Rica, Panama, and El Salvador.
Rwanda’s cooperation comes after a similar 2022 agreement with the United Kingdom to accept asylum seekers. However, that deal was later dropped after the UK’s Labour government took office. Britain’s Supreme Court also ruled the agreement unlawful, stating that Rwanda could not be classified as a safe third country due to concerns over human rights and safety risks for migrants.
