The United States has reportedly deported nine migrants to Cameroon under its expanding third-country deportation policy.
According to a report by The New York Times, the migrants were placed on a Department of Homeland Security flight on January 14. The flight departed from Alexandria, Louisiana.
The deportees were reportedly not told their destination in advance. Instead, they were informed only after being restrained in handcuffs and chains. Notably, none of them are Cameroonian nationals.
This latest US third-country deportation to Cameroon marks a significant expansion of the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy.
Moreover, it highlights the growing use of alternative destinations for migrants who cannot be returned home.
The Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and Cameroon’s Ministry of External Affairs have not publicly confirmed any formal agreement.
However, Cameroon now joins Rwanda and Eswatini as African countries reportedly accepting such transfers.
These arrangements typically apply to migrants who cannot be repatriated. Diplomatic barriers, missing documents, or security concerns are often cited as reasons.
However, the policy has faced strong opposition in U.S. courts. Immigration advocates argue that deporting individuals with active protections or pending asylum claims could violate due process. In addition, concerns have been raised about non-refoulement obligations under international law.
Federal judges have, in several cases, temporarily halted removals. Reviews are being conducted to determine whether deportees could face harm or unlawful transfer.
For President Donald Trump, the strategy aligns with a Cameroonkey campaign pledge. Since returning to office, his administration has prioritised faster deportation processes.
