Story perspectives

Chomsavanh Deportation to Laos Sparks Due-Process Lawsuits

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 5:23 PM UTC · How we work

Center

US Pays Five Million

Phone Chomsavanh left Eswatini’s Matsapha Correctional Complex for Laos on 4 October 2026.
In April 2026 Eswatini’s Supreme Court officially upheld a High Court order allowing lawyers to visit the deportees at Matsapha.
The 2025 memorandum paid the United States $5.1 million to Eswatini for up to 160 deportees.
Chomsavanh and four other deportees, who finished U.S. sentences, were transferred to Eswatini in July 2025.

Left

Legal Challenge Filed

Phone Chomsavanh left Eswatini’s Matsapha Correctional Complex for Laos on 4 October 2026.
Rights groups and lawyers condemn the third-country deportation program as a due-process violation that exploits vulnerable migrants, filing challenges in the United States.
Chomsavanh, born in a Thai refugee camp, was moved on a cargo plane without notice.
Human Rights First says about 500 immigrants were sent to Africa, and Eswatini received $5.1 million.

Blindspot

Eswatini’s Supreme Court in April 2026 upheld a High Court order that permits lawyers to access the five deportees held at Matsapha Correctional Complex.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Left-leaning coverage.

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US Pays Five Million

Phone Chomsavanh left Eswatini’s Matsapha Correctional Complex for Laos on 4 October 2026.
In April 2026 Eswatini’s Supreme Court officially upheld a High Court order allowing lawyers to visit the deportees at Matsapha.
The 2025 memorandum paid the United States $5.1 million to Eswatini for up to 160 deportees.
Chomsavanh and four other deportees, who finished U.S. sentences, were transferred to Eswatini in July 2025.

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