Rwanda government has confirmed ongoing discussions with the United States to accept migrants deported under President Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe revealed the talks during a televised interview on Sunday, May 4, 2025,
He described the discussions as being in the “early stage,” with no final agreement reached yet.
“These talks are not new to us,” Nduhungirehe stated, referencing Rwanda’s prior migration deal with the United Kingdom.
That UK agreement collapsed after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government took office in July 2024.
Nduhungirehe emphasized Rwanda’s position on offering “a second chance” to migrants facing hardship worldwide.
He clarified that Rwanda is “open” to welcoming migrants if the negotiations align with national interests.
His remarks followed comments by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Washington seeks partners for deportation arrangements.
Rubio stated the U.S. is looking for countries willing to accept individuals he called “some of the most despicable human beings.”
President Trump has promised mass deportations as part of his renewed immigration crackdown since returning to office in January.
In February, El Salvador agreed to accept criminals deported by the U.S., including naturalized U.S. citizens, for a fee.
Other Central American countries, including Panama and Costa Rica, have also accepted U.S.-deported migrants.
A Rwandan official told The Washington Post that talks with the U.S. began shortly after Trump’s re-election.
That same official confirmed Rwanda received a deported Iraqi national from the U.S. in March 2025.
Rights groups have raised concerns about Rwanda’s human rights record and the risk of secondary deportations.
Critics warn that deportees could face danger if expelled again from Rwanda to their home countries.
Rwanda, however, insists it is a safe haven for migrants and refugees alike.
The country continues to defend its migration policies amid international scrutiny.
This potential U.S.-Rwanda migrant deal follows the failed UK plan, which sparked global legal and ethical debates.
The Rwandan government says it remains committed to humanitarian values and international cooperation on migration.
Negotiations with the U.S. remain ongoing with no confirmed implementation timeline.
Observers expect more details as talks progress under the Trump administration’s hardline immigration stance.
Post Views: 30
