Full Breakdown
U.S. Deportation Policy Leads Cambodian Refugee to Eswatini Prison
4/7/2026, 1:12:36 PM
Overview of the Deportation Scheme
Pheap Rom, a Cambodian refugee who had been living in the United States since 1985, found himself unexpectedly deported to Eswatini as part of a controversial U.S. deportation initiative under President Donald Trump. This program has faced criticism from human rights advocates, who liken it to “human trafficking.” Approximately 20 individuals have been deported to Eswatini, a nation that has agreed to accept deportees in exchange for financial compensation from the U.S. government.
Circumstances of Deportation
Rom was detained by U.S. immigration authorities upon his release from prison in November 2024, where he had served a 15-year sentence for attempted murder. Following his conviction, an immigration judge revoked his green card, leading to his deportation. Initially expecting to be sent back to Cambodia, Rom was shocked to arrive in Eswatini, where he faced harsh conditions in the Matsapha Correctional Centre. He described the experience as reminiscent of his time in U.S. prison, stating that the guards treated him and other deportees as criminals despite having served their sentences.
Conditions in Eswatini
During his two-month detention, Rom reported severe restrictions, including limited outdoor time and minimal communication with the outside world. He and his fellow deportees were reportedly denied access to legal representation, with lawyers in Eswatini corroborating claims of restricted access to their clients. The Eswatini government, however, asserted that the deportees were “in good hands” and receiving necessary healthcare.
Criticism of U.S. Immigration Practices
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been criticized for its aggressive deportation tactics. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security previously described the deportees as “uniquely barbaric,” suggesting that their home countries refused to accept them. Rom's attorney, Tin Thanh Nguyen, expressed skepticism regarding the U.S. government's efforts to repatriate Rom directly to Cambodia, noting that he was incorrectly registered for deportation to Thailand, where he was born in a refugee camp.
Official Responses
Chann Rotana, a spokesman for Cambodia’s foreign ministry, indicated that the U.S. had successfully deported Cambodian nationals directly to Cambodia in the past, raising questions about the decision to send Rom to Eswatini. He stated, “We also don’t know why the US this time sent him to Eswatini.”
Life After Deportation
After being repatriated to Cambodia in March 2025, Rom expressed a desire to rebuild his life, stating he is still adjusting to his newfound freedom. He hopes to find employment, maintain connections with relatives in the U.S., and start a family in Cambodia, viewing this as a second chance in life.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There remains ambiguity regarding the U.S. government's rationale for deporting Rom to Eswatini instead of Cambodia. While the Cambodian government has previously accepted deportees without issue, the current situation highlights inconsistencies in the deportation process and raises concerns about the treatment of individuals caught in this system.
