Full Breakdown
Cambodian Man Repatriated After U.S. Deportation to Eswatini
3/25/2026, 4:47:56 PM
Overview of the Deportation Case
Pheap Rom, a Cambodian man deported from the United States to Eswatini under the Trump administration's third-country program, has been released from a maximum-security prison and is set to be repatriated to Cambodia. Rom was deported in October 2022 after serving a 15-year prison sentence in the U.S. for attempted murder. His lawyer, Tin Thanh Nguyen, confirmed that Rom was held for five months without facing any criminal charges in Eswatini.
Details of the Third-Country Program
The U.S. has implemented a controversial third-country deportation program, which has seen approximately 300 migrants sent to countries with which they have no ties. Since July 2022, the U.S. has deported 19 migrants to Eswatini in three batches, with Rom being the second to be repatriated after a Jamaican man was returned in September. The U.S. government has struck deals with at least seven African nations, including Eswatini, South Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea, to accept these deportees, paying Eswatini $5.1 million to take up to 160 individuals.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
Critics argue that the third-country deportation policy is unlawful and a violation of migrants' rights. Nguyen stated, "Rom’s release proves what we have argued from the beginning. These third-country deportations are unnecessary and unlawful." Legal challenges have emerged in both the U.S. and Eswatini, with a U.S. federal judge previously ruling the policy unlawful for failing to provide migrants with notice or the opportunity to contest their deportations. However, an appeals court later lifted that order.
In Eswatini, where Rom was detained, local lawyers have reported difficulties accessing deportees, and advocacy groups have raised concerns about the legality of holding foreign nationals without charges. The country, ruled by King Mswati III, has faced criticism for its human rights record and suppression of pro-democracy movements.
Broader Implications of the Deportation Policy
The choice of African nations for deportation deals has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding their human rights records. Critics have highlighted the U.S. government's financial agreements with countries like Equatorial Guinea, known for its authoritarian regime and corruption. The implications of these deportations extend beyond individual cases, raising questions about the legality and morality of the U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Rom’s release proves what we have argued from the beginning. These third-country deportations are unnecessary and unlawful,” — Tin Thanh Nguyen, Lawyer
Conclusion
Pheap Rom's repatriation highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding the U.S. third-country deportation program. As legal challenges continue and the implications of these policies are scrutinized, the situation remains a focal point in discussions about immigration law and human rights.
