Eswatini Took In U.S. Deportees Despite Doubts Over Legality

The government of Eswatini reportedly moved swiftly to support a controversial deportation arrangement introduced during the administration of Donald Trump, despite growing concerns over the legality of the program and the treatment of detainees.

According to a Reuters investigation by journalist Tim Cocks, senior officials in Eswatini privately agreed to host deportees from third countries after discussions with U.S. representatives. The report said Prime Minister Russell Dlamini presented the proposal to King Mswati III, who allegedly approved the arrangement almost immediately.

Under the agreement, Eswatini was expected to receive about $5.1 million in exchange for accepting up to 160 deportees from countries including Cuba, Jamaica, Cambodia, and Laos. Reports indicate that at least 19 migrants have already been detained in prisons near the capital, Mbabane.

The deal has sparked legal challenges and public criticism within the southern African kingdom. Lawyers representing some of the detainees argue that the arrangement violates Eswatini’s constitution by bypassing parliament, detaining migrants without charge beyond the constitutionally permitted period, and denying them access to legal representation.

Human rights concerns have also intensified following reports from deportees describing overcrowded prison conditions and limited medical care. One Cambodian deportee told Reuters he was terrified upon learning he was being sent to Africa instead of another U.S. immigration facility.

Despite the backlash, Eswatini’s government defended the decision, describing the agreement as part of its cooperation with the United States. The U.S. remains one of Eswatini’s largest foreign donors, particularly in HIV/AIDS support and healthcare funding.

The controversy has now placed renewed attention on the legality of third-country deportation arrangements and the broader global debate surrounding immigration enforcement and human rights protections.