U.S. officials have announced the potential deportation of migrants to Libya, but both the Tripoli and eastern governments have firmly rejected any such plans, citing concerns over sovereignty and the treatment of migrants in the war-torn country.
Libya's Governments Reject U.S. Plan to Deport Immigrants Amid Sovereignty Concerns
Libya's Governments Reject U.S. Plan to Deport Immigrants Amid Sovereignty Concerns
Both rival administrations in Libya deny any agreements on receiving deported U.S. migrants, asserting it would violate their sovereignty.
In a recent development regarding the U.S. administration's controversial immigration tactics, Libya's two rival governments have denied any arrangement to accept deported immigrants from the United States. This denial not only emphasizes the ongoing political divide within Libya but also sheds light on the complex nature of international agreements related to immigration.
On May 7, 2025, U.S. officials revealed intentions to transfer deported migrants on military flights to Libya, indicating the first such flight could happen as soon as Wednesday. However, both the Tripoli-based internationally recognized government and the eastern administration led by the warlord Khalifa Hifter issued statements rejecting any agreements regarding the resettlement of deported individuals.
The Tripoli government’s statement read that it would not permit Libyan territory to be used for deportations without its consent, asserting that potential deals made by “parallel entities” in eastern Libya would lack legal or political authority on behalf of the nation. In a similar vein, the eastern government voiced its strong rejection of any understanding about resettlement for migrants of any nationality.
Despite Washington's official relations being primarily with the Tripoli government, there is speculation that some engagement could have occurred between Trump's administration and eastern Libya. Notably, Hifter’s son visited Washington last week, raising questions about new negotiations.
Critics have widely condemned the U.S. plan to deport immigrants to Libya, pointing out the country's notorious human rights track record regarding refugees and migrants. Many migrants attempting to reach Europe find themselves trapped in Libya's detention centers, some of which have been labeled as “hellscape” environments by Amnesty International. Reports of mistreatment, sexual violence, and forced labor paint a grim picture of the current situation within these facilities.
With this backdrop, the likely deportation of U.S. immigrants to Libya raises major ethical and legal concerns, as both Libyan governments strive to protect their sovereignty amidst the complexities introduced by U.S. immigration policies. The topic continues to develop, especially considering the dire conditions faced by detained migrants in the North African nation.
