Liberia to accept US deportees
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The gist
Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the US within a year. The first 20 arrive Thursday, marking one of the largest such deals under Trump's immigration.
Background
The Trump administration has been deporting undocumented migrants to third countries, often under secret agreements, when they cannot be legally returned to their home countries due to safety concerns. Liberia's agreement is one of the largest such arrangements, and the country has a history of accepting refugees, including freed slaves from the US.
How it unfolded
- 2025Liberia and the US entered an agreement, made public in March 2026, to ensure asylum seekers and others needing protection could stay in Liberia if deported there.
- Aug 18, 2026Liberia's government announced it would accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the US within a year, with the first 20 expected on Thursday.
- Aug 19, 2026The announcement drew international coverage, with details on the 'guests' status and the lack of quid pro quo.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Liberia's Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah said deportees would be received 'as guests' who could leave when they wanted and apply for asylum.
- Official
- Liberia's Justice Minister Natu Oswald Tweh said the country has screened the list of migrants ahead of their arrival.
- Critics
- Rights groups and advocates have criticized the secretive nature of such agreements, noting they can involve migrants with protection orders not to be returned to their home countries.
Still unverified
The Liberian minister did not say if the deportees expected in Liberia had protection orders from US immigration judges. The deal's details on 'support to help manage the program' were not elaborated.