The Trump administration has transferred $7.5 million to Equatorial Guinea to accept third-country deportees. The payment came from the Migration and Refugee Assistance fund, designed for international refugee crises and resettlement operations.
A congressional aide condemned the deal as “egregious,” saying funds intended for crises like Gaza or Sudan were misused. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen called the payment “highly unusual,” citing the nation’s corruption and officials’ alleged ties to human trafficking.
Shaheen questioned what measures would protect deportees from potential human rights abuses under Equatorial Guinea’s administration. A State Department spokesperson defended the policy, citing Secretary Rubio’s commitment to end illegal immigration and strengthen border security.
The spokesperson declined to discuss details of diplomatic communications with foreign governments regarding the deal. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau met Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President Nguema Obiang, convicted in Paris of embezzlement and lavish spending.
The meeting reportedly reaffirmed cooperation on economic ties, security, and the “orderly reception of undocumented immigrants.” The Trump administration plans to deport millions of immigrants to third countries under its immigration policy.
Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Eswatini, and South Sudan have previously accepted deported individuals under similar agreements with the United States. Critics warn the payments risk funding a corrupt government while potentially exposing deportees to mistreatment and abuse.