In a surprising and controversial move, the United States has deported five individuals described as “depraved monsters” to Eswatini, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa. The deportees, who are originally from Yemen, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and Jamaica, had been convicted of serious crimes, including child rape and murder, in the U.S.
This deportation was carried out under a new legal precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2025. The ruling permits the government to deport individuals to a third country—even if they are not nationals of that country—so long as the host nation agrees to receive them and is not considered unsafe.
The policy is part of a broader crackdown aimed at speeding up deportations of undocumented immigrants and foreign nationals involved in violent crimes. According to an internal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) memo dated July 9, individuals can be sent to third countries with as little as six hours’ notice, although a 24-hour notice is standard.
Human rights organizations and legal analysts have raised serious concerns. Critics argue the policy violates international asylum norms and endangers deportees by placing them in unfamiliar and potentially hostile environments. Some accuse the U.S. of outsourcing its criminal justice burden to smaller, less-equipped countries under the guise of national security.
On the other hand, proponents of the measure insist it’s a necessary tool for protecting American communities and preventing repeat offenses. They believe it sends a strong message that the U.S. will not be a haven for violent criminals, regardless of nationality.
As Eswatini receives these high-risk individuals, questions loom over whether the country was fully briefed or prepared for their arrival. The move may strain diplomatic relations and raise fresh debates over sovereignty, human rights, and the ethics of international deportation deals.
This development signals a new era in U.S. immigration enforcement—one that may set a precedent for future international deportation practices. As global reactions unfold, the world watches how Eswatini will handle its unexpected new residents and how other countries may be drawn into similar deals in the near future.