As part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s expanded deportation policy, Rwanda on Thursday received the first group of migrants deported from the United States, consisting of seven individuals.
A Rwandan government spokesperson said the group is the first batch under an agreement that could eventually include up to 250 people.
According to the statement, three of the new arrivals expressed a desire to return to their countries of origin, while four others plan to remain in Rwanda.
Authorities confirmed that all deportees underwent thorough screening procedures prior to arrival and are currently being cared for by an international organization, with oversight from local authorities and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The move is part of Trump’s 2024 campaign pledge to launch “the largest deportation operation in U.S. history,” which has recently expanded to include African countries after initially focusing on nations such as Panama and El Salvador.
