Story perspectives

Trump Sends 11 Migrants to Eswatini Prison, Groups Protest

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration transferred 11 nationals to Eswatini, where they will be detained at Matsapha Security Prison.
Acting spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said Eswatini will protect detainees’ rights per law and international obligations.
Advocates warn the program normalizes migrant detention, with lawyer Mzwandile Masuku calling the transfers a sign of weak accountability.
Civic groups have sued the government, arguing that imprisoning foreign nationals without charge breaches Eswatini’s legal standards.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration transferred 11 nationals to Eswatini, where they will be detained at Matsapha Security Prison.
Acting spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said Eswatini will protect detainees’ rights per law and international obligations.
Advocates warn the program normalizes migrant detention, with lawyer Mzwandile Masuku calling the transfers a sign of weak accountability.
Civic groups have sued the government, arguing that imprisoning foreign nationals without charge breaches Eswatini’s legal standards.