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In a post on X, McLaughlin called the deportees "depraved monsters" who had been "terrorizing American communities." She confirmed that the deportation flight to Eswatini had landed, stating, "They are off of American soil." The move follows a US Supreme Court ruling last month allowing the Trump administration to deport migrants to countries other than their own.
Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, has expressed concern over the deportations. Government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said the five individuals are being held in isolated units within correctional facilities, assuring citizens they pose no threat. Eswatini is working with the United Nations’ immigration agency to facilitate their transit to their countries of origin.
The decision has sparked backlash in Eswatini. The Swazi Solidarity Network, a pro-democracy group, condemned the arrangement, with spokesperson Lucky Lukhele telling the BBC that the country must not become a "dumping ground for criminals." Public concerns have also arisen about the capacity of local prisons to securely house such inmates.
Analysts suggest Eswatini’s acceptance of the deportees may be linked to its trade relationship with the US, its fourth-largest market for sugar exports. No details were provided on whether payments were involved in the deal.
This deportation follows a similar move earlier this month, when the US sent eight migrants to South Sudan, a country with which most had no ties. The Trump administration has intensified its immigration crackdown, resuming workplace raids and targeting individuals on student visas, refugees, and those with temporary work permits.
Nigeria recently rejected pressure to accept deportees from the US, while countries like Rwanda, Benin, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Moldova have been named as potential recipients. The policy, a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s campaign, continues to draw both support and criticism.
