The Trump administration is exploring the possibility of sending migrants with criminal records from the U.S. to countries like Libya and Rwanda, according to several sources familiar with the talks. These proposals are part of the administration’s broader plan to reduce the number of undocumented migrants in the United States and deter future migration.
President Donald Trump had earlier signed an executive order directing U.S. officials to build international agreements that would allow third-country deportations, especially for asylum seekers and undocumented migrants with criminal backgrounds.
Migrant Transfers to Libya Raise Human Rights Concerns
One of the most controversial parts of the proposal involves sending certain asylum seekers from the U.S. border to Libya under a potential “safe third country” agreement. Though no final decision has been made, this move would allow the U.S. to transfer migrants to Libya if it reaches an official agreement with the Libyan government.
However, Libya has been widely criticized for its human rights violations, especially concerning the treatment of migrants. A 2024 U.N. report highlighted years of abuse, including forced labor, torture, rape, and a lack of accountability for crimes committed against migrants inside Libya.
Despite this, the State Department continues to pursue discussions with Libyan officials.
Rwanda in Talks to Accept U.S. Deportees
The administration is also in discussions with Rwanda to accept migrants with criminal records who have already served their sentences in the United States. These individuals would not be imprisoned again in Rwanda but instead be integrated into society with basic support, including job assistance and stipends.
Sources said the agreement would likely cost more than similar deals with countries like El Salvador, as Rwanda plans to offer social support rather than detention.
In March, the U.S. quietly deported one individual to Rwanda—an Iraqi refugee named Omar Abdulsattar Ameen. This transfer is now being used as a potential model for future deportations.
Trump Officials Defend the Plan
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed during a recent cabinet meeting that the U.S. is actively reaching out to other countries.
“We want to send you some of the most despicable human beings to your countries — will you do that as a favor to us?” Rubio said. “And the further away from America, the better.”
Officials see these deportations as part of a long-term strategy to lessen the burden on the U.S. immigration system, especially when it comes to asylum seekers and those with criminal backgrounds.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
The proposals are already facing legal pushback. Just last month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting people to third countries without first giving them a chance to contest the move.
Meanwhile, critics argue that sending vulnerable migrants—especially to unstable regions like Libya—violates international human rights laws and puts people at serious risk.
The U.S. State Department declined to comment directly on the specifics, saying only that it is “working globally to implement the Trump administration’s immigration policies.”