Sierra Leone becomes latest African country to receive deportees from US

May 20, 2026

Sierra Leone has joined several African nations in accepting migrants deported from the United States under President Trump's immigration enforcement policies, with nine West African nationals arriving at Freetown's airport on a charter flight. The country's foreign minister confirmed Sierra Leone will accept up to 300 deportees annually, but only those originally from ECOWAS member states in West Africa. The nine recent arrivals, who came from Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, and Senegal, will be housed temporarily before being sent to their home countries within two weeks.

Who is affected

Nine West African migrants (seven men and two women from Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, and Senegal) deported to Sierra Leone
Citizens from ECOWAS member states subject to deportation agreements
Migrants previously deported to Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, South Sudan, and Eswatini
Deportees from countries including Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and Vietnam sent to various African nations
Sierra Leone government and citizens
Private company Kenvah Solutions housing the migrants

What action is being taken

Sierra Leone is accepting migrants deported from the United States
The Trump administration is conducting mass deportations of illegal migrants to third countries
Kenvah Solutions is housing the migrants at their facilities
The nine deportees are being processed and will be sent to their home countries within two weeks

Why it matters

This deportation program represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement by sending migrants to third countries where they have no previous ties, raising serious human rights concerns. The practice has drawn criticism from organizations like Human Rights Watch for potentially violating international human rights standards and putting vulnerable people at risk. The program's cost—over $40 million according to Senate reports—and its opaque nature also raise questions about accountability and the welfare of deportees who find themselves stranded in unfamiliar countries. The agreements establish a precedent that could affect future immigration policies and international cooperation on migration issues.

What's next

The nine deportees will be sent to their home countries after staying at Kenvah Solutions facilities for two weeks.

Read full article from source: BBC