U.S. Seeks More Migration Agreements: Negotiations with Rwanda Follow El Salvador Pact

U.S. Seeks More Migration Agreements: Negotiations with Rwanda Follow El Salvador Pact

Trump administration extends contentious migrant deportation policy as Rwanda comes out as likely partner for transfers to third-party states

The U.S. government is discussing new migration agreements to transport migrants to third states. Rwanda is said to be in negotiations with U.S. officials over such an agreement.

This follows a contentious agreement with El Salvador, when the U.S. deported migrants under President Donald Trump’s escalated deportation policies on undocumented people.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the confirmation of ongoing talks, saying, “We are unapologetically looking for more countries to take people from third countries.

“Rubio went further to add that the policy extends beyond El Salvador. He highlighted attempts at seeking willing nations for accepting “some of the most despicable human beings.

Confidential sources familiar with the negotiations confirmed Rwanda is among the nations now negotiating with the U.S. on this issue.

Rwanda, generally regarded as politically stable in Africa, had already agreed to such a deal with Britain’s Conservative government in return for funding.

But British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government scrapped that deal in 2024, shortly before the policy was due to start being implemented.

At the same time, El Salvador has welcomed not only its repatriated citizens but also Venezuelan immigrants deported from the United States in recent months.

It all sparked a backlash after an erroneous deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen shielded by a court ruling but sent away by U.S. authorities.

The U.S. Supreme Court subsequently acted, calling for Abrego Garcia’s reinstatement. He has no criminal record and was mistakenly removed despite legal safeguards.

Salvador President Nayib Bukele favors mass incarceration and was willing to house migrants at a price less than the U.S. would incur domestically.

Secretary Rubio also made a claim in a visit that Bukele is willing to take in even U.S. citizens, though legal analysts dispute the move’s constitutionality.