Rwanda receives seven deportees from the US amid expanding immigration policy

In mid-August 2025, seven deportees were transferred from the United States to Rwanda as part of an agreement established between the two countries. This marked Rwanda as the third African nation to receive deportees from the U.S., following South Sudan and Eswatini. The Rwandan government confirmed the arrival of these migrants and indicated that they are being assisted by the United Nations' migration agency. According to Yolande Makolo, a spokesperson for the Rwandan government, three of the deportees expressed a desire to return to their home countries, while four indicated that they wish to remain in Rwanda and build new lives there. The agreement allows for up to 250 deportees to be placed in Rwanda, revealing a willingness by the Rwandan government to accommodate these individuals, despite potential concerns over their backgrounds and the nature of their deportation. The United States has previously characterized deportees sent to other countries as individuals with criminal records, raising questions regarding the vetting process. Furthermore, Uganda has indicated that it is willing to accept U.S. deportees under certain conditions, highlighting the ongoing negotiations around migrant deportation agreements in the region. The Trump administration's approach to immigration has drawn scrutiny as it expands its deportation programs to nations that these migrants typically have no prior connections to, reflecting broader geopolitical considerations in the U.S.'s foreign policy, especially in relation to Africa. The ethical implications of such agreements remain contentious, with critics arguing that these nations are sacrificing the wellbeing of individuals for political expediency, as illustrated by human rights concerns raised during similar deals and the overall treatment of deportees.