U.S. shifts deportation plan from Uganda to another African nation after migrant’s legal appeal

The decision follows Abrego’s successful legal challenge against an earlier plan to send him to Uganda, which he opposed on grounds of possible persecution and torture.

In response, U.S. authorities formally designated Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, as his new destination for removal.

According to Reuters, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official informed Abrego’s lawyers by email of the change, writing: “That claim of fear is hard to take seriously, especially given that you have claimed (through your attorneys) that you fear persecution or torture in at least 22 different countries … Nonetheless, we hereby notify you that your new country of removal is Eswatini, Africa.”

The move clearly reflects the administration’s willingness to pursue alternative deportation destinations despite ongoing legal battles and humanitarian concerns raised by Abrego and his defense team.

Uganda was chosen under Washington’s strategy of leveraging third-country arrangements for removals. But the plan quickly unraveled.

A federal judge blocked the transfer, citing Abrego’s credible fears of persecution if sent there, while his lawyers argued the administration used the threat of Uganda to pressure him into a plea deal. They also pointed out that Kampala’s acceptance was vague, relying on ill-defined terms that lacked clear legal grounding.

The collapse of the Uganda option exposed the risks of opaque diplomatic deals. Abrego also maintained that deportation there could result in forced return to El Salvador, where he says he was tortured.

Facing legal and humanitarian pushback, U.S. officials abandoned the plan. Attention has since shifted to Eswatini, a small southern African nation that has previously accepted deported migrants under bilateral arrangements.

Unlike Uganda, Eswatini has presented fewer political and legal complications, making it a more cooperative partner in the eyes of Washington.

A Department of Homeland Security email to Abrego’s lawyers confirmed the change, stating that Eswatini would replace Uganda as his deportation destination.

By pivoting to Eswatini, the administration seeks to demonstrate that its deportation agenda remains intact, despite setbacks.