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Media investigation details Trump administration deportations of migrants to third countries

A multi-outlet probe revealed bilateral deals and flights removing thousands to nations without local ties.

Updated Sep 21, 2026 · 06:14 UTC7 reports

The short version

  • A media consortium reported that the Trump administration has deported over 25,000 migrants to third countries where they lack personal ties.[France 24 · France 24]
  • The US government secured deals with 35 partner nations using financial pledges and trade incentives, though most host states refuse violent offenders.[The Guardian · France 24 · France 24 · France 24 · The Guardian]
  • A US federal appeals court recently ruled the third-country removal policy unlawful on due process grounds, but the administration plans to appeal.[The Guardian]

Key facts

  • The Trump administration has deported more than 25,000 migrants to third countries since January 2025, sending approximately 20,000 to Mexico and over 5,400 via flights to other nations.[The Guardian · France 24]
  • The US has reached third-country deportation agreements with 35 nations, backed by pledges of at least $410 million alongside financial and trade incentives.[France 24 · France 24 · The Guardian]
  • Twelve African countries have received 450 third-country deportees, with Ghana receiving more than 100 individuals.[France 24]
  • A US federal appeals court ruled the policy unlawful for violating due process, though the administration intends to appeal.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • The total number of deportation flights tracked by journalists is likely an undercount as it includes only independently verified flights.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.