Venezuelans, Cubans, and Colombians Arrive in Liberia Under Trump Deportation Deal

Liberian authorities received the first deportation flight from the United States on Thursday, marking the start of an agreement between Washington and Monrovia to accept up to 1,200 foreign nationals over the coming year. Liberian Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah told Reuters that the initial group of 20 deportees consisted primarily of nationals from Latin American countries, including Venezuela, Cuba, and Colombia.

Liberian officials stated that many of the deportees had sought protection due to fears of torture or abuse in their home countries. The government emphasized that the arrivals are being received as "guests" and will not be repatriated until their legal proceedings regarding asylum claims are finalized. The migrants are free to depart the country if they choose and will receive support services from the International Organization for Migration and the U.N. refugee agency.

The flight departed from Louisiana and made a stop in Senegal before landing at Roberts International Airport near Monrovia. Officials in Liberia stressed that the individuals are not criminals and are not being prosecuted under U.S. or Liberian law. While Liberia is not demanding compensation for the deal, reports indicate the U.S. awarded the nation $5 million this year for migration management activities.

In addition to Liberia, the United States has reached similar agreements with several other African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, according to Reuters.