Controversial U.S.-CAR Deportation Deal Unveiled

The U.S. has struck a deal with the Central African Republic to accept migrants deported from the U.S., despite legal protections, as a part of third-country agreements with several African nations. These deals have faced criticism for circumventing deportee rights. Details on the agreement's implementation remain unclear.

The United States has finalized a deal with the Central African Republic (CAR) to accept migrants deported by the U.S., according to sources familiar with the arrangement. This move is part of a broader strategy involving third-country agreements with African nations.

Critics highlight that such deals, which involve countries like Ghana and Equatorial Guinea, bypass legal safeguards previously secured by deportees in the U.S. immigration courts. Despite these concerns, Washington maintains that the deportations are lawful and within existing frameworks.

A meeting on May 18 in Bangui, led by Christian Jové Ehrhardt from the U.S. State Department, confirmed the CAR's participation. The timeline for deportation flights remains uncertain, and U.S. courts have attempted to block specific cases, such as a Turkish national's deportation. The International Organization for Migration will assist in the process.