Equatorial Guinea police pull guns on migrants deported by Trump, witnesses say

Three witnesses and video footage obtained by Reuters revealed that Equatorial Guinea's police officers brandished firearms during the deportation of migrants from the United States. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, took place at a hotel in Malabo, the former capital of Equatorial Guinea. The confrontation began as a dispute over mobile phones and quickly turned violent as police, identified by "National Police" shirts, pointed what appeared to be semi-automatic assault rifles at the deportees.

One migrant was seen kneeling on the ground, while others screamed nearby. The U.S. deportation program, which sends migrants to countries where they are at risk of persecution, has come under scrutiny following this incident. Rights groups and advocates have expressed concerns about the treatment and safety of those deported to Equatorial Guinea, citing inadequate medical care, denial of legal assistance, and severe psychological distress.

The Trump administration has defended the third-country arrangements, stating that deportations are carried out in accordance with U.S. immigration law. However, Equatorial Guinea has not publicly disclosed the terms of the housing arrangements for the deportees. Lawyers representing some of the deportees have emphasized the risks involved, urging that no one should be seriously injured or killed.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the State Department both emphasized their commitment to upholding the law and removing individuals who no longer have the right to remain in the country.