Twenty migrants deported from the United States have arrived in Liberia, marking the beginning of an agreement that could see up to 1,200 third-country nationals transferred to the West African country over the next year.
The first group landed at Roberts International Airport near Monrovia on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with the arrival witnessed by journalists. The migrants were later taken away from the airport by bus under the supervision of Liberian officials.
The deportees are part of a controversial arrangement between Liberia and the administration of US President Donald Trump as Washington intensifies its immigration enforcement efforts.
According to Liberian authorities, the wider group will include nationals from African countries as well as countries in North America, South America and the Caribbean. Some of those transferred had faced legal restrictions preventing their direct removal to their countries of origin.
Liberia’s Information Minister, Jerolinmek Piah, said the deportees would be treated as guests. They will have the option of seeking asylum in Liberia or leaving the country if they wish.
The Liberian government has described the arrangement as humanitarian and said the United States will provide support to help the country manage the programme and strengthen its migration system.
The agreement has, however, attracted criticism from immigration advocates, who argue that sending migrants to third countries could expose some of them to further risks, particularly where they had previously received protection against being returned to their home countries.
The arrival of the first 20 deportees makes Liberia one of several African countries participating in arrangements with the United States to receive migrants who Washington says cannot be returned directly to their countries of origin.
ALSO READ:Gun Duel on Anambra Road Ends With Two Suspected Kidnappers Dead
Hope you find the Above publication useful, Calabargist will love to keep you updated via our newsletter by subscribing with your email.
