Reports indicate that the United States has deported nine migrants to Cameroon as part of a controversial third-country removal plan. According to The New York Times, the migrants were flown from Louisiana on January 14 without prior notice of their destination until they were already restrained for the journey. Officials have not publicly confirmed any formal agreement authorising the transfer.

Authorities from the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and Cameroon’s government have yet to issue detailed statements. Cameroon reportedly joins Rwanda and Eswatini among nations said to have received migrants who could not be returned to their original countries due to documentation or diplomatic issues.

Legal advocates in the U.S. have challenged the policy in court, arguing that deporting migrants with pending claims or legal protections may breach due-process rights and international rules against forced return to danger. In some cases, federal judges have temporarily stopped removals while they examine potential risks faced by deportees.

For President Donald Trump, expanding third-country deportations is seen as part of a broader plan to speed up removals and tighten immigration enforcement. His administration has focused on faster processes, especially for migrants whose home countries delay or refuse repatriation. Critics, however, say the approach raises humanitarian and legal concerns.