US deportations to African countries unlawful and exploit suffering – rights group

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticized the U.S. for deporting migrants to African countries where they are not citizens, arguing that this practice is illegal and exploits the suffering of individuals to deter migration. Since Donald Trump returned to the presidency in 2025, over 500 people have been deported to African nations, according to HRW. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defends these actions as necessary for public safety. However, HRW reports that deportees often face arbitrary detention and ill-treatment in countries like Eswatini, Ghana, and South Sudan, and are sometimes sent back to their home countries where they risk persecution. The group claims this policy is intended to instill fear and deter migration. Despite assurances from the U.S. that deportees will be safe, HRW’s findings suggest otherwise, with some deportees describing abusive treatment. None of the African countries involved have commented on the report. QUESTION: How might the deportation of migrants to unfamiliar countries impact their mental health and future prospects?