KIGALI / WASHINGTON – The United States has struck a deal with Rwanda to deport up to 250 migrants to the East African nation, in a fresh move underscoring the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies.
The agreement, signed in Kigali in June, was confirmed by a Rwandan official and the country’s government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, in a report first published by Reuters.
According to the Rwandan official, who requested anonymity, the U.S. has already submitted an initial list of 10 individuals for vetting.
“Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement,” said Makolo. “Our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation.”
Makolo added that those approved for relocation would receive workforce training, healthcare, and housing support, allowing them to restart their lives in one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
Rwanda, under the agreement, retains the right to approve or reject each case individually. Only those with completed prison terms or without criminal charges will be considered. Convicted child sex offenders are explicitly excluded from the arrangement.
The White House and State Department have not yet issued comments on the agreement. The Department of Homeland Security referred queries to the State Department.
Part of Trump’s Broader Deportation Strategy
The agreement is part of former President Donald Trump’s wider push to deport undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal convictions, by partnering with third countries. Similar efforts have seen migrants sent to South Sudan, Eswatini, and over 200 Venezuelans deported to El Salvador earlier this year.
Trump’s administration argues that such third-country deportations allow for faster removals, especially in cases where direct deportation is legally or diplomatically challenging.
However, rights groups have condemned the practice, calling it inhumane and dangerous, especially when individuals are sent to unfamiliar countries where they may face persecution or lack local ties.
Financial Incentive and Flexibility in the Deal
As part of the deal, the United States will provide Rwanda with a grant, although the exact amount remains undisclosed. The grant letter was finalized in July, according to the Rwandan official.
The deal also allows for the possibility of expanding the programme beyond 250 migrants if both sides agree. Additionally, deported individuals are not obligated to remain in Rwanda and may choose to leave at any time.
Human Rights Concerns Remain
Despite its progressive economic strides, Rwanda’s human rights record remains under scrutiny.
Rights organizations have previously accused the Kagame government of suppressing dissent and supporting rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo, allegations Kigali denies.
Nevertheless, the U.S. has maintained diplomatic ties with Rwanda, with the country recently participating in U.S.-brokered peace talks aimed at ending hostilities in eastern Congo. A peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC was signed in Washington in June.
Not Rwanda’s First Migration Deal
This is not the first time Rwanda has agreed to take in migrants deported by Western countries. In 2022, Kigali signed a controversial deal with the United Kingdom to accept thousands of asylum seekers.
However, the deal was eventually scrapped in 2024 by new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after prolonged legal battles. No migrants were ever relocated under that agreement.
As this new U.S.-Rwanda pact takes effect, legal challenges are also looming. The Supreme Court in June upheld the Trump administration’s authority to deport migrants to third countries without first evaluating the risks they may face there.
However, a federal lawsuit in Boston is now challenging the legality of that ruling, setting the stage for a potentially lengthy legal battle.
