US Deportation Flight to Central African Republic Sparks Rights Concerns

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Bangui: A U.S. deportation flight carrying migrants from countries including Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia arrived in the Central African Republic on Friday, marking the latest use of third-country deportations under President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

Lawyers and activists said some of those on board had legal protections preventing their return to their home countries. Among them were at least two Iranian women who had previously been granted "withholding of removal," a status that bars deportation to a country where individuals may face persecution.

The flight departed from Louisiana and stopped in Ghana before landing in Bangui. It remains unclear whether all the deportees remained on board for the final leg of the journey or what their legal status will be in the Central African Republic.

Rights advocates have raised concerns that migrants sent to third countries could eventually be returned to the nations they originally fled. Previous deportees have alleged poor detention conditions and a lack of support in countries used as transit hubs.

The Trump administration has argued that migrants with protection from removal cannot be sent to their countries of origin but may legally be deported elsewhere. Critics, however, say the policy leaves vulnerable individuals stranded in unfamiliar countries with no established support networks.

Central African authorities have not publicly outlined the terms of any agreement with Washington, while questions remain over whether those arriving in Bangui will be allowed to seek asylum or face further transfers.

Pic Credit : AFP/ File Image