Deportees recount ICE treatment in Liberia
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The gist
Ten deportees to Liberia allege ICE abuse, including shackles and blows. The accounts fuel scrutiny of U.S. deportation practices and human rights concerns.
Background
The New York Times interviewed ten deportees who were expelled from the U.S. to Liberia, detailing months in detention and a 14-hour flight where they allege abusive treatment by ICE agents. The deportees, many from African and other countries, say they were sent to nations where they have no ties, complicating reintegration. The White House, DHS, and State Department responded that only deportees who cannot be returned to their home nations or refuse to go back are sent to third countries.
How it unfolded
- Sun, 30 Aug 2026The New York Times publishes an investigation based on interviews with ten deportees who recount alleged abuse by ICE during detention and a deportation flight to Liberia.
- Sun, 30 Aug 2026Mwakilishi.com and The Chenab Times report similar accounts from the deportees, highlighting allegations of inhumane conditions and lack of support.
- Mon, 31 Aug 2026The Department of Homeland Security calls the New York Times investigation a 'hoax', while the White House and State Department issue statements defending the deportation policy.
Who’s saying what
- Deportees
- One deportee said, 'We were treated like criminals. The conditions were inhumane, and we were left with no support after being forcibly removed from the U.S.'
- Officials
- The White House, DHS, and State Department said only deportees who cannot be returned to their home nations or refuse to go back are sent to third countries.
- Human rights advocates
- Advocates have long criticized ICE practices, citing detention conditions, lack of legal access, and fairness of the deportation process.
Still unverified
The deportees' allegations of abuse are unverified and disputed by DHS, which called the investigation a 'hoax'. Some accounts are anonymous due to fear of reprisal.