Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report accusing the Trump administration of deporting nearly 13,000 third-country nationals to Mexico without providing necessary due process or basic services. The deportations occurred between January 2025 and March 2026, significantly impacting individuals who had long-established lives in the United States, including many Cuban nationals who fled political repression and have since established families and businesses according to HRW’s findings.
The report highlights dire conditions faced by deportees prior to their removal, with descriptions of overcrowded detention centers, inadequate medical care, and insufficient food. Once deported, these individuals were reportedly sent to Mexico without essential documentation or belongings, unable to challenge their deportation, thus violating US and international law.
Mexico’s asylum system presents further challenges, being described as slow and under-resourced. Deportees must demonstrate a fear of persecution in their home countries, a difficult task for those who have been in the US for decades. HRW warns that lacking legal status, these individuals face severe hardships without shelter or medication, and remain vulnerable to criminal organizations.
The deportations have been part of broader scrutiny of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices. In January, the UN human rights chief urged the US to align its immigration practices with international law. Despite this, agreements with over 30 governments have led to thousands of deportations. These policies highlight ongoing concerns over immigration enforcement and the need for transparent, fair asylum procedures as referenced in coverage by other agencies.
HRW advocates for adherence to the Immigration and Nationality Act, emphasizing the importance of allowing individuals to contest their deportation. It also calls for consideration of factors such as age, health, and familial ties before enforcing deportation orders, urging reforms to protect vulnerable populations within the immigration system as discussed by legal experts.