ICE Sends Protected Latin American Migrants To Liberia Under Third-Country Deportation Tactic
On August 20, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement flew migrants from Latin America and Africa to Monrovia, Liberia, an action deportees say left people with legal protections stranded far from home.[1]
Multiple deportees said U.S. immigration judges had previously barred their removal to home countries because return would expose them to persecution or torture.[1] They said they received no prior notice and only learned their destination after landing, when officials told them "Welcome to Liberia." CBS News
On August 20, 2026, the flight carried migrants who are not Liberian citizens, including people from Latin America and other African countries.[1] The Department of Homeland Security told CBS News the administration was using all lawful options in what it called the largest deportation operation in U.S. history and highlighted a $3,000 self-deportation stipend offer.[1]
Deportees described feeling stranded "on the other side of the world" after arriving in Liberia.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On August 20, 2026, a U.S. deportation flight landed in Monrovia, Liberia, carrying migrants from Latin America and other African countries who are not Liberian citizens.
- Multiple deportees interviewed said U.S. immigration judges had previously barred their removal to their home countries due to risk of persecution or torture, but ICE instead sent them to Liberia.
- Deportees said they received no prior notice they would be sent to Liberia and only learned their destination when told "Welcome to Liberia" after landing.
- The Department of Homeland Security told CBS News the Trump administration is using all lawful options to conduct what it calls the largest deportation operation in U.S. history and highlighted a $3,000 self-deportation stipend offer.
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