The Trump administration has discussed with Libya and Rwanda the possibility of sending migrants who have criminal records and are in the United States to those two countries, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks. The proposals mark a dramatic escalation in the administration’s push to deter people journeying to the United States and remove some of those already here to countries thousands of miles away, some of which have checkered pasts. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January directing top officials to facilitate international cooperation and agreements to send asylum seekers elsewhere. In addition to sending migrants with criminal records, Trump officials are also hoping to enter formal negotiations with Libya to strike a so-called safe third country agreement, which would allow the US to send asylum seekers apprehended at the US border to Libya, according to one of the sources. No decision has been made yet, and it’s unclear which nationalities would be eligible. A State Department spokesperson said they do not discuss the details of diplomatic communications. The spokesperson added that the department is “working globally to implement the Trump Administration’s immigration policies.” CNN reached out to a representative for Libyan Gen. Saddam Haftar, who was in Washington for talks with officials this week, for comment. Trump officials have previously tried to strike safe third country agreements with countries in the Western hemisphere to ease the burden on the US asylum system and stem migration to the United States. The Trump administration has also moved to expand cooperation to include working with countries to detain people removed from the United States, including most recently with El Salvador. Multiple sources said the State Department is in talks with other countries about taking migrants, in addition to Libya and Rwanda. “I say this unapologetically, we are actively searching for other countries to take people from third countries,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a Cabinet meeting Wednesday. “We are working with other countries to say, ‘We want to send you some of the most despicable human beings to your countries — will you do that as a favor to us?’ And the further away from America, the better, so they can’t come back across the border,” he said. This week, senior State Department officials met with Libyan officials and discussed the proposal to send migrants to the North African country, according to one of the sources. One piece of potential leverage for the US in any talks is the likelihood of another travel ban against visitors from several countries, which the Trump administration has teased but not yet released. Libya was included in the ban during Trump’s first term. A United Nations report in 2024 pointed to years of human rights violations in Libya and concerns over a lack of accountability for the violations. Rights groups and U.N. agencies have also for years documented systematic abuse of migrants in Libya including allegations of forced labor, beatings, rapes and torture. There have also been conversations as recently as this week between the US and Rwanda to advance a plan to use the country for third-party deportations of undocumented immigrants in the US, sources familiar with the matter said. Rwanda and the US are discussing a possible agreement where Rwanda would accept migrants with criminal records who have served their sentence in the US already. The cost structure is still being finessed, though sources said it would likely be higher per person than the overall cost per person of deportees to El Salvador because Rwanda would not put the people in prison. Rwanda would instead take them into society and provide some social support to them, such as a stipend and assistance with finding a job locally, sources said. The plan could take weeks to come together and would be used more on an ad hoc basis. The conversation with Rwanda began in the early days of the Trump administration when there was a diplomatic note sent by the Trump administration to many countries around the world to gauge any interest in working on deportations of illegal migrants in the US. Rwanda signaled that they would be open to such conversations, sources said. In March, one person was deported from the US to Rwanda, a transfer that was seen as a model that could work on a bigger scale, sources said. The person was a refugee from Iraq, Omar Abdulsattar Ameen. The concept isn’t new for Rwanda, given an agreement that the country struck with the United Kingdom in 2022 to deport asylum seekers in the UK to Rwanda. But the plan was engulfed by legal troubles and last year it was discontinued by the newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called the scheme a “gimmick.” The removal of third-country migrants to Libya and Rwanda is likely to face legal challenges. Last month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting people to countries other than their own without first providing notice and an opportunity to contest it. This story has been updated with comment from the State Department.
Trump administration weighs sending migrants to Libya and Rwanda, sources say
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trump Administration Discusses Migrant Relocation to Libya and Rwanda"
CNN
6.1
TruthLens AI Summary
The Trump administration is reportedly in discussions with Libya and Rwanda regarding the potential relocation of migrants with criminal records from the United States to these countries. This strategy represents a significant intensification of the administration's efforts to deter migration to the U.S. and to deport individuals already present in the country. In January, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at enhancing international cooperation to facilitate the transfer of asylum seekers. Alongside the plan to send migrants with criminal backgrounds, officials are also pursuing negotiations with Libya to establish a safe third country agreement. This would enable the U.S. to send asylum seekers intercepted at the border directly to Libya, although no final decisions have been made regarding the eligible nationalities for such transfers. A spokesperson for the State Department noted that they do not disclose the specifics of diplomatic discussions but confirmed that they are actively implementing the administration's immigration policies.
The conversations with Libya and Rwanda are part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to alleviate the pressure on the U.S. asylum system by seeking agreements with various countries for the deportation of undocumented immigrants. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the administration's intent to find nations willing to accept individuals deemed undesirable, asserting that the further away these countries are from the U.S., the better it would be to prevent return migration. Recent meetings between U.S. and Libyan officials have focused on this proposal, while talks with Rwanda have also advanced, considering a plan to accept migrants who have already completed their sentences in the U.S. Rwanda's approach would involve integrating these individuals into society rather than detaining them, providing assistance such as stipends and job support. However, the plan is anticipated to face legal obstacles, particularly following a federal ruling that temporarily blocked deportations to third countries without proper notice and an opportunity for individuals to contest their removal.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a controversial proposal from the Trump administration regarding the relocation of migrants with criminal records to Libya and Rwanda. This initiative signals a significant shift in immigration policy, aiming to deter potential migrants and manage those already in the U.S. through international agreements.
Political Motivation and Public Perception
The administration's discussions with Libya and Rwanda are likely aimed at reinforcing a tough stance on immigration, catering to a voter base that prioritizes stringent border enforcement. By proposing to send migrants to countries with troubled histories, the administration seeks to evoke a sense of urgency and seriousness about immigration issues among its supporters. The narrative implies a commitment to national security, which resonates with segments of the population concerned about crime and undocumented immigration.
Potential Hidden Agendas
There may be underlying motives in the timing and framing of this news. The administration could be diverting attention from domestic issues, such as economic challenges or political controversies, by focusing on a contentious immigration proposal. This tactic could help consolidate support from hardline immigration advocates while distracting from other critical areas of governance.
Manipulative Elements
The language used in the article carries implications that may manipulate public sentiment. Phrases like "criminal records" and "checkered pasts" are designed to evoke fear and opposition toward migrants, potentially fostering a negative stereotype. The mention of international agreements could also be construed as an effort to legitimize the proposal, even if it raises ethical concerns about human rights and asylum processes.
Comparative Context
When compared to other immigration-related news, this article reflects a broader trend in the Trump administration's approach—seeking partnerships with foreign nations to manage immigration flows. It aligns with previous efforts to engage with countries in the Western hemisphere, suggesting a consistent strategy to offload the responsibilities of asylum seekers onto other nations.
Impact on Society and Economy
The ramifications of such immigration policies could be profound. If implemented, they may lead to increased tensions between the U.S. and the countries involved, potentially disrupting diplomatic relations. Domestically, the proposal might polarize public opinion further, impacting political landscapes, especially as elections approach.
Support Base and Target Audience
This news is likely to resonate more with communities that prioritize law and order, such as conservative voters and those concerned about crime and immigration. The focus on criminal records may appeal to individuals who feel threatened by undocumented immigrants or who advocate for strict immigration controls.
Market Implications
From a financial perspective, this news could influence sectors linked to immigration services, law enforcement, and international relations. Companies involved in security and border management may see a rise in interest or investment, whereas firms that rely on immigrant labor might react negatively due to potential labor shortages.
Geopolitical Significance
The proposed agreements with Libya and Rwanda also carry implications for global power dynamics, particularly in how nations collaborate on immigration issues. This aligns with current geopolitical discussions surrounding migration and refugee policies.
Utilization of AI in Reporting
While it's difficult to ascertain the specific use of AI in this article, it is plausible that AI tools could have been employed in drafting or editing to ensure clarity and impact. Such technologies might influence the framing of the narrative, emphasizing certain aspects while downplaying others.
Overall, the trustworthiness of this article hinges on the motivations behind its publication and the framing of the issues discussed. The controversial nature of the proposals, combined with the potential for manipulation of public opinion, raises questions about the accuracy and intent of the information presented.