The Trump administration has confirmed ongoing negotiations with Rwanda for a potential deal to accept migrants deported from the United States. Rwanda’s foreign minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, spoke on Sunday night about the discussions, stating that while the talks are still in the early stages, they are actively exploring the possibility of a larger migration agreement.
“It has not yet reached a stage where we can say exactly how things will proceed, but talks are ongoing,” Nduhungirehe said in an interview with Rwanda TV. The announcement comes after a test deportation earlier this year that saw the U.S. send an Iraqi refugee, Omar Abdulsattar Ameen, to Rwanda. Ameen, who had been granted refugee status in the U.S., was deported in March after an American court ruled he could not be sent back to Iraq due to safety concerns. He is now free to leave Rwanda, according to officials in Kigali.
Rwanda has a history of positioning itself as a destination for deportees from Western countries. However, such agreements have often faced legal hurdles. Previous plans, including one to receive migrants from the UK, were abandoned after facing intense legal challenges, and the UK government ultimately cancelled the £700 million deal, leaving Rwanda seeking compensation.
Despite the setbacks with European countries, Rwanda is well-prepared for a potential influx of deportees from the U.S. Following the cancellation of several agreements, including those with the UK and Denmark, Rwanda had already begun establishing reception centers and facilities for housing and processing migrants. These efforts included setting up hotels and apartment complexes that remain ready for use.
As part of his administration’s aggressive stance on immigration, President Trump has made deporting millions of migrants a key priority. His administration is seeking ways to address both illegal immigration and individuals with criminal backgrounds. The talks with Rwanda are seen as a possible expansion of that strategy, as the U.S. looks for alternative destinations to house deported migrants.
The U.S. State Department under President Biden raised concerns in 2023 about Rwanda’s human rights record, including extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detention. However, the Trump administration, which has previously shown a willingness to work with countries with poor human rights records, is expected to face fewer objections. Under the Trump administration’s broader deportation strategy, migrants have been sent to countries like El Salvador, where they are housed in high-security prisons.
Sending deported migrants to Rwanda may come at a higher cost than sending them to countries like El Salvador, where they are often imprisoned. Rwanda, however, would likely place deported individuals in communities, offering support to help them integrate and find work, a process that may require more resources.
With negotiations still in the early stages, it remains to be seen whether the deal with Rwanda will progress. However, Rwanda’s readiness and existing infrastructure could play a pivotal role in the success of any potential agreement between the two nations.
