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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A group of ten migrants deported from the United States have arrived in Eswatini, an African nation, as part of a controversial third-country deportation program. These individuals are the latest additions to a group of over forty deportees sent to Africa since July. The deportees, including Vietnamese nationals held in Louisiana, are currently held in a correctional facility, while four previous deportees remain in a maximum-security prison without charge. Rights groups have expressed concern over the program and the potential lack of due process for migrants in these countries, especially considering the secretive agreements between the U.S. and the African nations.
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Greta Thunberg reported harsh treatment in Israeli custody after being detained with the Global Sumud Flotilla, including dehydration, bedbug infestations, and insufficient food. Detainees also reported Thunberg was forced to hold unknown flags for photographs. The Swedish foreign ministry confirmed these claims in an email detailing her experience and access to legal counsel, while also mentioning concerns about the treatment of other activists detained alongside her. Lawyers representing the flotilla have reported systematic rights violations and instances of verbal and physical abuse, including denial of water, sanitation, and medical attention.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a promotional video showcasing an ICE raid, highlighting over 900 arrests during “Operation Midway Blitz” in Chicago. Eyewitness accounts described the raid as violent and traumatic, with reports of residents, including children, being manhandled and dragged from their homes. Despite the agency’s claims, the video omitted accusations of mistreatment, including the detention of U.S. citizens and the forceful removal of children. This promotional video is another example of the DHS’s controversial use of PR stunts, following a pattern of using emotionally charged footage of raids.
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Man sentenced to death for Facebook posts criticising Tunisia’s President. It’s truly shocking, isn’t it? The idea that someone could be sentenced to death for something as seemingly innocuous as criticizing a president on social media is jarring. It immediately brings to mind the very fundamental question of free speech, and how quickly it can be eroded.
The comments, echoing this sentiment, express a mixture of disbelief, anger, and fear. They highlight the precedent set by this ruling. It’s not just about one man, but what this means for the future of expression within the country. It raises questions about the state of human rights, especially given how, for many, Tunisia was seen as one of the more liberal Muslim countries.… Continue reading
During a pre-dawn raid on September 30th in Chicago’s South Shore area, federal immigration agents arrested 37 individuals, alleging connections to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Residents reported seeing agents forcibly removing unclothed children from apartments and separating them from their mothers. The operation was part of a larger initiative, Operation Midway Blitz, targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records and involved multiple federal agencies. Critics have raised concerns regarding the aggressive nature of the raids and the treatment of migrants.
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Reports detail a chaotic ICE raid involving agents descending from helicopters, forcibly entering units, and detaining individuals for extended periods. Residents, including U.S. citizens, were reportedly removed from their homes and questioned, experiencing disrespectful treatment and intimidation. One tenant described being handcuffed and questioned, while another witnessed children being detained with zip ties, highlighting the distress caused by the operation. Accounts also included a report of an agent laughing about the detained children.
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Amid political turmoil and increasing human rights concerns in the United States, a growing number of American citizens are seeking asylum in Australia. Department of Home Affairs figures reveal at least 29 US citizens applied for humanitarian protection visas between January and July 2025, coinciding with Donald Trump’s second presidential term. While specific reasons for the applications are not disclosed, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre notes a rise in inquiries, particularly from the LGBTIQ+ community. Although no visas were granted during this period, the applications, which require a “well-founded fear of persecution”, can take considerable time to be finalized, with the outcome dependent on the current political climate.
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Afghanistan’s cellphone and internet services have been shut down following a Taliban order, and it’s hard not to immediately think about the ramifications for the people there. It’s a significant blow, cutting off a vital lifeline in the modern world. Consider the impact this has on families, businesses, and anyone relying on communication. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about access to information, the ability to connect with loved ones, and the potential to participate in the global economy. The question of how people will maintain these connections, especially those needing to communicate with relatives abroad, is a very real one.… Continue reading
The internet shutdown in Afghanistan has significantly impacted both students and teachers like Zabi, who relied on online platforms for English language instruction. Zabi’s students, many preparing for the IELTS exam, were cut off mid-test, leaving them devastated. The cost of mobile data, the only alternative, is prohibitive for most, further exacerbating the situation. Zabi, like many, is now considering leaving the country, and the money changer, Anas, says he’s had to endure an extreme dip in business.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood