Rwanda has confirmed that it is in early discussions with the United States about accepting migrants deported under the Trump administration’s renewed immigration enforcement policies. Speaking in a televised interview on Sunday, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated that while talks are still at an initial stage, the East African country remains open to providing “another chance” to migrants facing challenges around the world.
The development follows recent remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said that the US was “actively searching” for countries willing to receive deportees, particularly those he controversially described as “some of the most despicable human beings.” While the US has not yet finalized any new agreements, Rwanda appears to be among the top prospects for such partnerships.
Minister Nduhungirehe noted that Rwanda is familiar with similar arrangements, referencing the now-abandoned migration deal it had previously signed with the United Kingdom. That agreement, first introduced by the UK’s Conservative government, aimed to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing and resettlement. However, the plan was canceled in July 2024 after the Labour Party under Keir Starmer assumed power and reversed the policy due to legal and ethical concerns.
Since returning to the office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has pushed for mass deportations as part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigration. His administration is seeking international partners to support these efforts, including agreements that would allow deportees to be relocated outside of the United States.
In a related development earlier this year, El Salvador announced it would accept criminal deportees from the US, including individuals with US citizenship, in exchange for financial compensation. President Nayib Bukele said the deportees would be housed in the country’s controversial mega-prison, a facility that has received widespread attention for its harsh conditions.
Rwanda has previously collaborated with the United Nations and the African Union to host African migrants rescued from Libyan detention centers. The country’s willingness to play a larger role in global migration management has earned it both international praise and criticism, with human rights organizations calling for more transparency and accountability in such deals.
While the outcome of the Rwanda-US discussions remains uncertain, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that Rwanda is open to solutions that offer dignity and opportunity to migrants. “The talks are still ongoing, and it’s too early to predict their final outcome,” he said.
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