US deports over 25,000 migrants to third countries under secret $410m deals

The United States has deported more than 25,000 migrants to third countries under secretive agreements with 35 nations, according to an investigation published Monday, September 20, 2026. Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, Washington has signed deals with developing countries to take migrants who cannot legally be sent home, earmarking $410 million for payments to governments or UN agencies. By August 31, 2026, at least 25,447 people had been deported-about 20,000 to Mexico and the rest to 27 other countries across Latin America, Africa and the Pacific, with seven additional agreements finalized.

The deals vary on which nationalities can be sent and whether those with criminal records are accepted. Payments include $81 million earmarked for signatory governments, over $178 million for the International Organisation for Migration and $123 million for the UN Refugee Agency. Examples: Palau received $7.5 million to accept up to 75 nationals; Eswatini received more than $5 million for up to 160 people; Cameroon signed a memorandum of understanding in December 2025, later received a $400 million health-assistance programme and a separate $30 million UNHCR grant to facilitate returns. The first deportation flight to Cameroon arrived on January 14, 2026. A little-known State Department unit, the Office of Remigration, created in May 2025 and led by diplomat Christian Jove Ehrhardt, has managed most negotiations.

For Nigerians, the policy means undocumented migrants in the US could be sent to countries where they have no ties, while Nigeria itself may be approached to accept deportees in exchange for aid. What steps will you take to protect your rights if you or someone you know is undocumented in the US, and should Nigeria consider accepting such deals?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/09/21/us-deports-25000-to-third-countries-under-secretive-deals/