US Judge Challenges Deportation of West African Migrants to Ghana

A U.S. federal judge has raised concerns over the recent deportation of West African migrants to Ghana under a new arrangement with Washington. The migrants, mostly from Nigeria and The Gambia, were flown to Accra even though some had claimed legal protections in the U.S. against being sent back to countries where they risk persecution or torture.

Rights groups, including the ACLU, argue that this move attempts to bypass U.S. asylum laws. Several migrants also reported harsh treatment during the transfer, such as being shackled, restrained in straitjackets, and given little food or water. (Reuters, AP News)

Judge Tanya Chutkan has now directed the U.S. government to provide details on what measures are being taken to ensure Ghana does not send the migrants back to their home countries. The Department of Justice maintains that the issue is a diplomatic matter beyond the court’s reach, but questions remain about whether Ghana has given binding assurances on the migrants’ safety.

In Ghana, opposition lawmakers have criticized the deal, warning it could damage the nation’s international reputation and raise serious human rights issues. (Reuters, Politico)