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United States deported 25,000+ migrants to third countries via secret deals
An international journalistic investigation led by Forbidden Stories has revealed that the United States government has deported at least 25,447 migrants to 28 different third countries between January 2025 and August 2026. These transfers were conducted under secretive bilateral agreements with 35 nations, often involving individuals who have no legal or personal ties to the receiving countries.
Approximately 20,000 of these individuals were sent to Mexico, while the remainder were distributed across Latin America, Africa, and the Pacific. The investigation highlights that the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Remigration, established in May 2025 and led by diplomat Christian Jove Ehrhardt, managed most of the negotiations and payments. The U.S. government has earmarked at least $410 million to facilitate these removals, with funds allocated to host governments and UN agencies such as the IOM and UNHCR.
Reports indicate that Washington applied pressure on African nations to accept deportees—including those who are not their citizens—through threats of visa suspensions, reduced aid, or tariffs. Legal experts and human rights organizations warn that these practices create a “legal black hole,” leaving deportees in countries where they lack rights and may face immediate danger. A U.S. federal appeals court recently ordered a stay on such deportations, citing insufficient notice and opportunity for migrants to challenge their removal.
Entities
Christian Jové Ehrhardt · Donald Trump · Forbidden Stories · Immigration and Customs Enforcement · Mexico · Office of Remigration · U.S. Department of State · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] About one-third of the receiving countries are located in Africa. nachrichten.fr
- [● 18 SOURCES] Between January 20, 2025, and August 31, 2026, the United States expelled more than 25,000 migrants to third countries. nachrichten.fr · entrevue.fr · www.rfi.fr · n1info.rs · ogportal.com · +12 more
- [● 18 SOURCES] At least 25,447 people were transferred to 28 different countries via at least 105 identified flights. entrevue.fr · glas-slavonije.hr · n1info.hr · www.stiripesurse.ro · n1info.rs · +12 more
- [● 18 SOURCES] Mexico received approximately 20,000 of these expelled individuals. entrevue.fr · nachrichten.fr · glas-slavonije.hr · n1info.hr · www.stiripesurse.ro · +12 more
- [● 18 SOURCES] The U.S. government uses bilateral agreements to facilitate these third-country removals. nachrichten.fr · n1info.rs · ogportal.com · ruse.news · entrevue.fr · +12 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] The U.S. government allocated at least $410 million for payments to host countries or UN agencies to facilitate removals. glas-slavonije.hr · n1info.hr · www.stiripesurse.ro · n1info.rs · ogportal.com · +9 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] Washington pressured African nations with threats of tariffs, visa suspensions, or reduced aid to accept deportees. glas-slavonije.hr · n1info.hr · www.stiripesurse.ro · ogportal.com · www.enca.com · +5 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] The U.S. government contacted 49 out of 54 African countries to accept deportees who are not their citizens. glas-slavonije.hr · n1info.hr · www.stiripesurse.ro · ogportal.com · www.enca.com · +4 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The U.S. State Department's Office of Remigration, established in May 2025, led most negotiations and payments. glas-slavonije.hr · n1info.hr · www.stiripesurse.ro · n1info.rs · ogportal.com · +2 more