US deportations of third-country nationals to Mexico and beyond revealed

An investigation by Forbidden Stories has revealed that between January 20, 2025, and August 31, 2026, the United States deported at least 25,447 citizens of third countries to nations with which they have no prior ties.

Mexico has been the primary destination, receiving approximately 20,000 individuals through four major border crossings: San Ysidro-Tijuana, Nogales-Sonora, El Paso-Ciudad Juárez, and Port Isabel-Matamoros. The remaining deportees were dispersed across 27 other countries in Latin America, Africa, and the Pacific.

The investigation highlights that the Trump administration utilized secret agreements with approximately 35 countries, with a total planned budget of $410 million. These negotiations and payments are managed by the Office of Remigration, a body within the State Department established in May 2025.

Testimonies from migrants describe being held in handcuffs, facing long journeys exceeding 30 hours, and lacking information regarding their final destinations. Many report significant difficulties accessing food, medical care, housing, and legal documentation upon arrival in these third countries.