In Tripoli’s Martyrs Square in Libya, people were seen walking around on April 28. The U.S. is making plans to send a group of undocumented immigrants to Libya as early as this week, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the flight. The migrants are expected to be transported by a U.S. military aircraft. A spokesperson from the State Department mentioned that they do not disclose the specifics of their diplomatic exchanges with other governments. The Department of Homeland Security refused to comment on matters related to deportations to Libya.
The Government of National Unity in Libya, the country’s interim government, stated on social media that they are not coordinating deportations with the U.S. and do not consent to the use of the country as a destination for deported immigrants without their approval. The government denied any agreement or coordination regarding the reception of deported migrants from the U.S. and suggested that unauthorized parties may be involved in the situation.
The Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar, controlling eastern Libya, also expressed opposition to the idea of the country taking in deported migrants, stating it would infringe on the nation’s sovereignty.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously mentioned during a Cabinet meeting that the U.S. is actively seeking other countries to accept individuals, referring to them as “despicable human beings.” Rubio indicated efforts to persuade other nations to take in these individuals to prevent them from returning across the border.
The U.S. has agreements with various Central American countries to accept deportees. For instance, the Trump administration reached a $6 million deal earlier this year with El Salvador to detain deportees alleged to be part of gangs like Tren de Aragua from Venezuela and MS-13. Both gangs have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Additionally, Costa Rica has agreed to serve as an intermediary between the U.S. and migrants, many of whom have clean criminal records.
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves mentioned at a news conference in February that the country is assisting its economically influential neighbor from the north. He commented on the possible tax implications on free zones due to the migrants’ presence and their subsequent departure.
