By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Trump administration has initiated an agreement with Eswatini, an absolute monarchy, to deport individuals from various countries to its prisons. This arrangement, which includes a $5.1 million payment, allows the U.S. to send detainees, even those with no prior ties to Eswatini, without proper due process. Despite the legal challenges and questionable human rights record of Eswatini, this practice continues to be implemented by the U.S. as demonstrated by the deportations to Eswatini, and South Sudan. Lawyers representing the detainees are facing significant obstacles in accessing and communicating with their clients, raising serious concerns about the legality and ethics of these deportations.
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ICE Is Sending People to a Prison in Africa’s Only Absolute Monarchy
Deportation, in its simplest form, is meant to be the removal of someone from a country, not a punishment. However, when the United States government, specifically ICE, starts sending people to a third country with an explicit agreement for them to be held indefinitely without trial, it crosses a line. This is a significant breach of due process and the Constitution, and it raises serious questions about the motivations behind such actions. Could it be a prelude to even more troubling arrangements?
What if these agreements are, in essence, modern-day slave trade deals? We know the US prison system is overcrowded and driven by profit. It’s not a stretch to wonder if the labor of immigrants, often working for very little, is being exploited, perhaps even part of a larger, exploitative network. This idea is chillingly echoed in the grievances that led to the Declaration of Independence, particularly the charges of being deprived of trial by jury and being transported “beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences.” The system we have in place wasn’t designed to withstand this kind of behavior, assuming those in power would act with integrity. Now, it seems, some see ICE operating as a tool in a system reminiscent of historical atrocities.
This is the core of the issue: In May, a deal was struck between the US and Eswatini, an agreement that allows the Trump administration to deport people from all over the world to this African nation. The US is paying Eswatini a considerable sum, $5.1 million, to take in up to 160 “third-country nationals”—immigrants who have no connection to Eswatini. This appears to be nothing short of human trafficking. It’s appalling to think that the US cannot or will not provide aid to countries, yet finds resources to deport individuals to those same nations.
This reality reflects a destructive policy, and it leads to the consideration of our current status as a nation. The USA is exhibiting signs of fascism. Eswatini, landlocked and smaller than a state like New Jersey, has limited resources. How can such a nation adequately manage the influx of these individuals? There will be lawsuits, as the cost to American taxpayers will be significant. The question becomes: How can this be legal? This scheme feels akin to establishing a giant, hidden prison composed of questionable nations, all looking to profit from hiding ICE prisoners. It’s disturbing that this administration would seemingly seek out such relationships.
The situation is reminiscent of historical precedents, and the implications are alarming. ICE’s actions are beginning to resemble the actions of the Gestapo, identifying and removing those deemed “undesirable.” The administration’s actions seem to be on the wrong side of history. Reports indicate that individuals have been purposefully sent to a prison in Eswatini instead of being returned to their countries of origin after completing sentences for serious crimes. One individual named Andry Hernandez Romero was reportedly tortured and sexually assaulted while being held, eventually being used as a bargaining chip for a prisoner swap. The Trump administration appears to have paid El Salvador to imprison these men on behalf of the US. This is beyond disturbing; it’s a betrayal of the most fundamental principles.
The fact that this issue doesn’t receive more attention is disheartening. It’s a truly appalling aspect of the previous administration’s actions. The dismantling of the country that was once loved by so many is a tragedy. The legal implications should be pursued to the fullest extent. Anyone arguing otherwise is choosing a side that is not welcoming of a free society.
This makes no sense. We are deporting people to countries with authoritarian governments. What other horrors will be uncovered? Detention camps in Nauru and the Manus Islands should be examined. The actions are similar to what Australia has done, and deals were cut to keep many of the atrocities out of sight. This has a precedent, and history is being repeated.
The constitutional violations are blatant in this case. With a Supreme Court majority that appears willing to rewrite the Constitution to suit the administration’s whims, it is reasonable to be concerned. Given that the King of Eswatini is known for his actions, this raises even more troubling questions. It’s not hard to imagine a sex trafficking element at play here. It’s likely that countries like Vietnam and Laos refused to take these individuals back for a reason. Why else would a country accept hundreds of people in exchange for a payment? This makes sense: the king of Eswatini is known to be open to such actions. It is likely that these prisoners are being traded for something sinister. America is becoming a lawless country. This is where the call for revolution comes from. The fact that $5.1 million is being paid for 160 people is excessive and ridiculous; it’s likely more than what it would cost to house and feed these individuals in the US.
The social contract is being violated when it interferes with what those in power want to do. This is a slippery slope, and it’s important to recognize the danger this kind of policy poses. Hundreds of detainees have gone missing. The ultimate question is what is being done with these people? The lack of leadership from the Democratic party is allowing this to happen.