Liberia agrees to accept deportees from the US

Liberia has agreed to accept up to 1,200 deportees from the United States, authorities announced on Tuesday. This is part of one of the largest arrangements under the Trump administration's stricter immigration policies. The first batch of 20 deportees is expected on Thursday, with the remaining individuals arriving within the following year.

The 1,200 deportees will comprise individuals from Africa, North America, South America, and the Caribbean. Under several undisclosed agreements, the Trump administration has deported thousands of people to various nations, with about 10 of these being African countries. A critical aspect of these agreements is that they can involve migrants who have protection orders from a U.S. immigration judge, prohibiting their return to their home countries due to safety concerns.

Liberia's Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah stated that the country has thoroughly screened the list of migrants prior to their arrival. Most of the deportees are individuals with immigration violations and offenses. They may choose to seek asylum in Liberia post their arrival or are free to leave the country at their discretion, Piah added.

Liberia will receive assistance from the U.S. to manage the program and enhance its migration system. Piah emphasized that Liberia's action is purely humanitarian and in line with the country's historical traditions, promising to provide adequate support to ensure the safety and protection of the transferred individuals during their stay in the country.