Banished to alien lands: Trump’s secret deportation deals

An investigation has revealed that the administration of US President Donald Trump made secret deals with several African countries to deport undocumented migrants. These agreements, which have been described as "shadowy," involve the transfer of migrants who cannot be sent back to their home countries. The investigation, conducted by a consortium of 26 media outlets coordinated by Forbidden Stories, highlights the extent of these deportations and the financial implications for American taxpayers. Since Trump took office in January 2017, approximately 25,000 individuals have been deported to these "third countries" under the terms of these deals. The migrants, often unaware of their destination, have reported being transported in shackles on US immigration planes. Many detainees expressed confusion about their whereabouts, only realizing their destination when they saw a map on the seat-back video screens during the flight. This lack of transparency and communication has raised concerns about the treatment of deported individuals. The investigation underscores the significant costs associated with these deportation practices, which have been characterized as a "show of force." The deals with developing countries to accept these migrants have drawn criticism and raised ethical questions regarding the treatment of individuals seeking refuge or a better life in the United States. The findings of this investigation shed light on the controversial aspects of Trump's immigration policy and its impact on thousands of lives.