Sierra Leone has received a group of migrants deported from the United States as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
The first flight carrying nine West African deportees landed on Wednesday at the international airport near Freetown.
Authorities confirmed that the deportees came from Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, and Senegal.
Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Timothy Musa Kabba, confirmed the arrival of the migrants.
He initially stated that 25 deportees were expected. However, authorities later confirmed that only nine arrived on the first flight.
Police officers, health workers, and government officials received the migrants at the airport.
Witnesses said seven men and two women boarded a waiting minibus under police escort after landing.
Health officials disclosed that many of the deportees appeared traumatised after spending months in detention in the United States.
A health ministry official, Doris Bah, said several deportees claimed authorities arrested them on the streets, at workplaces, and during daily activities.
According to her, most of them expressed a desire to return to their home countries as soon as possible.
Officials also confirmed that the deportees would stay temporarily in a hotel before arrangements are made for their return.
The Sierra Leonean government has agreed to accept up to 300 deportees annually from member states of the Economic Community of West African States.
Authorities explained that some deportees already possess Sierra Leonean residence permits obtained years ago.
Foreign Minister Kabba stated that deportees would be allowed to remain in Sierra Leone for up to 90 days before returning to their countries of origin.
According to government documents, the United States will provide about $1.5 million to support the deportation arrangement.
Officials said the funds would cover humanitarian and operational costs linked to the programme.
However, Sierra Leone has not publicly disclosed whether additional agreements or concessions were included in the deal.
A spokesperson for the United States Department of State said migrant removals remain a top priority for the American government.
Sierra Leone joins several African countries already accepting deportees from the United States.
Other countries involved include Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Ghana.
Reports indicate that some countries have also received migrants from outside Africa, including Latin America.
Human rights organisations have criticised the deportation arrangements between the United States and African governments.
Human Rights Watch described the agreements as “opaque deals” that could violate international human rights standards.
The group urged African countries to reject deportation arrangements that may place migrants in vulnerable conditions.
The development has sparked wider debate about immigration enforcement and international cooperation on migration issues.
Critics argue that mass deportation policies could increase humanitarian concerns and strain African countries already facing economic challenges.
Supporters of stricter immigration policies, however, insist governments must enforce border and migration laws.
As discussions continue, Sierra Leone’s role in receiving deportees is expected to remain under close international attention.
