Trump Expands 'Deportation Geography' to Include Burundi

Burundi announced its agreement to receive migrants and deportees from the United States, a move coinciding with the US Supreme Court's decision to allow President Donald Trump's administration to resume deportation operations to third countries.

Spokesperson for the Burundian President, Nancy Ninet Mutoni, stated that her country would accept individuals who do not face criminal charges or have links to terrorism, noting that Burundi is also prepared to settle those wishing to remain on its territory and contribute to its economy and development.

According to Le Figaro newspaper, the Burundian government linked this step to its desire to strengthen diplomatic relations with the United States, as well as providing what it described as "hospitality to people in need."

The Burundian announcement came hours after the US Supreme Court temporarily suspended restrictions on migrant deportations to third countries, pending further rulings.

A judge in Boston had halted this policy in February, arguing that deporting individuals to countries where they do not hold citizenship could expose them to risks of persecution or torture and limit their ability to seek protection.

Burundi Joins the List

The agreement with Burundi is not an isolated case in the Trump administration's policy.

According to The Guardian, the United States has concluded approximately 35 agreements with countries permitting the deportation of migrants and asylum seekers to them, including African nations and others in Central America.

In Africa, Cameroon agreed to receive around one thousand deported migrants, under an arrangement allocating $30 million for UN-related operations.

The Democratic Republic of Congo also agreed to receive about two thousand people, within a deal valued at $50 million for UN operations.

US arrangements extended to Central America as well, with Costa Rica agreeing to receive approximately 200 individuals from more than 20 countries, mostly from Asia and Africa.

Other countries joined this path, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama.

As these arrangements expand, details of several agreements remain undisclosed, including the new deal with Burundi.

A spokesperson for the Burundian Foreign Ministry acknowledged that the details of the agreement are not yet clear, leaving questions regarding the number of deportees, conditions for their reception, and guarantees concerning their legal status and future within host countries.