More than 25,000 migrants have been deported from the United States to countries with which they have no known ties under a network of agreements involving 35 nations, according to a new international investigation.
Data compiled by Forbidden Stories and its media partners show that at least 25,447 people had been sent to third countries by August 31, 2026. Around 20,000 were deported to Mexico, while others were transferred to 27 countries across Africa, Latin America and the Pacific. Agreements have also been concluded with seven additional countries.
The arrangements have expanded since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025. They allow Washington to send migrants to countries other than their countries of origin when direct deportation is not possible.
The investigation found that the US government has earmarked about $410 million for the programme, with funds going either directly to receiving governments or to United Nations agencies involved in facilitating the transfers.
Internal State Department records reportedly showed that $81 million of the planned funding was designated for governments that signed the agreements. More than $178 million was allocated to the International Organisation for Migration, while another $123 million was earmarked for the UN Refugee Agency.
The agreements differ from country to country, including provisions determining which nationalities can be accepted and whether people with criminal records are eligible for transfer.
In one example, Palau agreed in December 2025 to accept up to 75 third-country nationals in exchange for $7.5 million. So far, only three people have reportedly been transferred there. Eswatini, meanwhile, has received 32 people since July 2025 under an agreement allowing up to 160 deportees.
Cameroon also signed an agreement with Washington in December to receive deportees. The first plane carrying migrants arrived in the country on January 14.
According to Forbidden Stories, the State Department’s Office of Remigration, established in May 2025, has overseen much of the negotiations. The investigation said 49 of Africa’s 54 countries had been approached about accepting third-country deportees.
The policy has attracted legal and humanitarian concerns. Lawyers interviewed by AFP said some deportees could be left in countries where they have no connections and limited legal protections. The issue has also faced challenges in US courts over due-process protections.
UN agencies involved in the programme have defended their roles. UNHCR said it was not a party to the bilateral agreements and that US funding was being used within its mandate, while the IOM said its participation was based on whether its involvement would improve conditions for affected migrants.
The investigation has brought renewed attention to the growing use of third-country deportation agreements as the Trump administration expands its immigration enforcement policy.
