US Deported LGBTQ Migrants to Third-Party Nations
Federal authorities relocated migrants to countries outside their origin, raising legal and safety concerns.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Immigration
In July 2026, the United States deported LGBTQ migrants to countries other than their nations of origin through bilateral agreements. The government has secured at least 35 such third-country deportation arrangements.
Why it matters
The Department of Homeland Security asserts these agreements are vital for national safety, but critics argue the practice ignores the extreme dangers these individuals face abroad. Legal challenges persist as a federal appeals court recently labeled aspects of this policy unlawful.
The U.S. maintains at least 35 agreements to send deportees to third-party nations. These deportations occur after migrants complete processing through immigration detention facilities.
The players
Department of Homeland Security
This federal agency is responsible for managing U.S. borders and immigration enforcement operations.
The details
A 28-year-old Turkish woman identified as Aylin was deported to the Central African Republic in July 2026 after 18 months of detention, despite having been granted withholding of removal. Similarly, 21-year-old Ghanaian migrant Adwoa was deported to Cameroon, where same-sex relations can result in a five-year prison sentence.
Timeline
A 2023 U.S. State Department report detailed the danger of same-sex relationships in the Central African Republic.
Aylin was deported to the Central African Republic in July 2026.
A federal appeals court ruled against aspects of the third-party deportation policy in September 2026.
Political Context
The policy faces significant resistance from rights groups and legal experts who argue that sending migrants to nations where their identity is criminalized undermines human rights commitments. Opposition parties and advocates contend that these bilateral agreements bypass established legal precedents designed to protect vulnerable populations.
The shift toward third-country deportations complicates the legal landscape for asylum seekers and those claiming withholding of removal. These policy changes may result in more prolonged legal proceedings and unpredictable outcomes for individuals detained in the U.S. immigration system.
The takeaway
The use of third-country agreements signals a major shift in how the U.S. manages its detention and removal pipelines. Critics warn this strategy prioritizes logistical processing over the individual safety of migrants fleeing state-sponsored persecution.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving border policies in the Immigration section.
