In a diplomatic push that underscores his administration’s hardline immigration stance, U.S. President Donald Trump this week urged five African heads of state to accept migrants deported from the United States, even if they are not nationals of their countries.
According to two officials familiar with the discussions, the proposal was raised during a White House meeting on Wednesday with the presidents of Liberia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon.
The plan, reportedly outlined in a U.S. State Department document circulated ahead of the meeting, asks these nations to temporarily accommodate third-country nationals deported from the U.S. until their asylum claims are resolved. It also emphasizes the “dignified, safe, and timely transfer” of these individuals.
While the White House and the African governments have yet to officially comment, a U.S. official indicated that Liberia was preparing to accommodate some of the migrants in its capital, Monrovia. However, it remains unclear whether President Joseph Boakai or any of the other leaders have formally agreed to the arrangement.
This strategy marks a broader effort by Trump to accelerate deportations by leveraging so-called “safe third country” agreements, particularly when direct repatriation is delayed or obstructed. Over the weekend, eight migrants from countries including Mexico, Cuba, Vietnam, and Sudan were transferred to South Sudan after a failed legal challenge to stop their deportation.
During the public portion of the Wednesday meeting, Trump reiterated his intention to pivot U.S. policy on Africa from foreign aid to trade, emphasizing America as a “better partner than China.” He also linked immigration enforcement to diplomatic cooperation, noting the need to address visa overstays and push forward with third-country migrant agreements.
Trump was joined by Massad Boulos, his senior adviser on African affairs, and Stephen Miller, known for his strict immigration policies.
