Report Reveals Costly U.S. Deportations to Third Countries

A new report has raised concerns over the United States’ deportation practices, detailing cases of migrants being removed to distant third countries with limited notice and at significant financial cost.

According to the findings, several migrants were flown thousands of miles away from their home countries as part of what the report described as “expedited deportations,” a strategy aimed at strengthening the administration’s legal footing. The approach, however, has sparked debate among immigration advocates and policy analysts.

One case highlighted a Mexican national who was deported more than 8,000 miles to South Sudan. The estimated cost of the operation was put at $91,000 per person, which reportedly included temporary accommodation at a U.S. military base in Djibouti. Weeks later, the individual was returned to Mexico.

In another instance, a Jamaican national was deported to Eswatini despite already having an existing deportation order to Jamaica. The report estimated the cost of that removal at over $181,000. The migrant was subsequently flown back to Jamaica, with Jamaican authorities stating they had not refused his return.

The report questioned both the humanitarian and financial implications of such removals, noting that deportations to third countries often involve complex logistics, diplomatic coordination, and temporary housing expenses.

Efforts to obtain official clarification were unsuccessful, as a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment regarding the cases cited.

The revelations come amid broader shifts in U.S. immigration enforcement. Last month, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to deport at least 79 Nigerians listed on its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register, targeting foreign nationals with serious criminal convictions. The agency said those affected had been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prioritised for removal under stricter policies.

Additionally, U.S. immigration enforcement intensified in 2025, with the U.S. Department of State revoking more than 100,000 foreign visas more than double the number recorded in 2024. Officials attributed the surge to heightened scrutiny of entry documents and tighter adherence to immigration rules.

Analysts say the latest report may further fuel discussions around the balance between enforcement, cost efficiency, and human rights considerations in global deportation policies.