The policy shift could send migrants with criminal records to Rwanda or Libya, following overseas enforcement models…
The Trump administration is reportedly exploring the option of transferring migrants with criminal histories to third-party nations such as Rwanda or Libya, according to sources familiar with internal deliberations. The move would mark an aggressive expansion of the administration’s broader policy of outsourcing immigration enforcement overseas.
Outsourcing Deportation: A Growing Strategy
-The idea mirrors the U.K.’s short-lived 2022 arrangement with Rwanda, aimed at relocating asylum seekers during their application processing.
-That deal collapsed following legal setbacks and sustained human rights pressure.
-U.S. officials appear to be studying similar frameworks, hoping to find legally viable pathways to reduce the number of criminal migrants held within U.S. borders.
Libya Raises Serious Human Rights Concerns
While Rwanda has presented itself as a stable partner for these types of agreements, Libya remains far more controversial:
-U.N. reports document widespread abuse of migrants in Libya, including forced labor, torture and abuse.
-Any formal arrangement could trigger international backlash under the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, which was signed by President Lyndon Johnson despite concerns from prior administrations about its potential impact on U.S. sovereignty.
Public Opinion Splits on Immigration Policy
A newly released CNN poll underscores the complex public sentiment toward Trump’s immigration approach:
-56% of independents say his deportation measures have gone too far.
-Confidence in his immigration leadership has dropped among independents and moderates, with approval falling to 45%, down from 60% in December 2024, according to the same April 30 report.
However, not all enforcement policies are losing traction.
Border Security Still Holds Support
Despite waning support for mass deportations, several enforcement tactics remain popular:
-Stationing U.S. troops at the southern border garners majority backing, with a 12-point approval margin.
-Voters are more likely to support deportations when framed around violent offenders rather than long-standing residents or families with no criminal history.
-For example, deportations to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center remain politically viable when limited to confirmed gang members or violent criminals.
Takeaway
The administration’s strategy reflects a calculated bet that voters will continue to distinguish between types of migrants — supporting tough action against violent offenders while showing leniency in specific cases.
Whether partnerships with countries like Rwanda or Libya can pass legal scrutiny — or public scrutiny — remains to be seen.
READ NEXT: Trump Pulls Off Ukraine Move No One Expected
Are these the same pollsters that predicted Harris’ win?