Immigrants Seeking Asylum Sent to Unknown Countries

The administration's goal is to instill fear, advocates say, as thousands face deportation to nations they've never been to.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:37pm by Ben Kaplan

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Thousands of immigrants living legally in the U.S. while awaiting asylum rulings are suddenly facing deportation orders to countries where they have no ties, such as Uganda, Ecuador, and Honduras. The administration's policies aim to drive migrants to abandon their cases and return to their home countries out of fear, according to advocates. While new deportation orders have been halted, existing cases are still moving forward, leaving many in legal limbo.

Why it matters

This policy raises concerns about due process and human rights, as asylum-seekers are being sent to countries they know nothing about, potentially putting them in danger. It also reflects the administration's hardline stance on immigration and its efforts to curb asylum claims through intimidation tactics.

The details

Under the administration's 'third-country deportation' policy, more than 13,000 immigrants have been ordered deported to countries like Honduras, Ecuador, and Uganda, even if they have no connections there. ICE attorneys have been instructed to file motions to end migrants' asylum claims and deport them to these 'safe third countries.' While deportations have been complicated by limited agreements and legal challenges, the administration is working to expand the program, including hiring more staff and planes.

  • In mid-March, ICE legal officials told field attorneys to stop filing new motions for third-country deportations tied to asylum cases.
  • In October, a ruling from the Justice Department's Board of Immigration Appeals cleared the way for migrants seeking asylum to be removed to any third country where the U.S. State Department determines they won't face persecution or torture.

The players

Cassandra Charles

A senior staff attorney with the National Immigration Law Center, which has been fighting the administration's mass deportation agenda.

Sarah Mehta

Tracks immigration issues at the American Civil Liberties Union.

Okello Oryem

The Ugandan minister of state for foreign affairs, who said no asylum-seekers have arrived in Uganda despite hundreds being ordered deported there.

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What they’re saying

“This administration's goal is to instill fear into people. That's the primary thing.”

— Cassandra Charles, senior staff attorney, National Immigration Law Center

“When I think about having to go to those other countries, I panic because I hear they are violent and dangerous.”

— Guatemalan asylum-seeker

“You can't be doing one, two people' at a time. 'Planeloads -– that is the most effective way.”

— Okello Oryem, Ugandan minister of state for foreign affairs

What’s next

It's unclear if the halt on new third-country deportation orders is permanent, and the administration is working to expand the program with more staff and planes. Advocates expect deportations to continue, potentially to a wider range of countries.

The takeaway

This policy highlights the administration's hardline stance on immigration and its efforts to curb asylum claims through intimidation tactics that raise serious concerns about due process and human rights. The uncertainty and fear it has sown in immigrant communities could have lasting impacts.