Trump Administration's Third-Country Deportation Policy Expels Over 25,000 Individuals
Since January 2025, the Trump administration has deported more than 25,000 individuals to countries that are not their nation of origin, often lacking any ties to these 'third countries.' A significant majority, approximately 20,000 people, were sent to Mexico, while at least 5,447 others were deported via flights to various global destinations by August 31, 2026. This practice, known as 'third-country removals,' has become a central component of the administration's migration policy, with an increasing number of agreements being made with third countries, frequently under secrecy. Many of these agreements include general language about ensuring migrants are not arbitrarily detained or sent to countries where they might face persecution. However, according to Savi Arvey, director of Policy, Refugee & Immigrant Rights at Human Rights First, these 'assurances' of protection are often inadequate, and there is a lack of ongoing oversight once individuals are outside the U.S. A consortium of 26 international me...
