US deporting migrants to Libya on military aircraft amid diplomatic tensions
US plans to deport migrants to Libya without Libya's approval (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The United States is reportedly preparing to deport a group of migrants to Libya using a military plane, despite strong opposition from Libya's authorities, according to NBC News.
A group of undocumented migrants is expected to be flown to Libya this week aboard a US military aircraft, according to two US officials familiar with the operation.
The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on any specifics, and a State Department spokesperson stated they do not disclose the "details of our diplomatic communications with other governments."
However, the move is facing fierce resistance from Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU), which posted on social media that it had no agreement with the US regarding these deportations.
"The Government categorically denies the existence of any agreement or coordination with it regarding the reception of any migrants deported from the United States," the GNU stated.
The post also implied the involvement of "some parallel parties that are not subject to legitimacy," possibly hinting at other factions within Libya.
Rising global pushback against US deportation deals
Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army, which holds control over eastern Libya, echoed the rejection, calling the deportation plan a violation of national sovereignty.
"This would violate the sovereignty of the homeland," the group declared in an official statement.
The news follows recent comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the US is actively working with other countries to accept deportees.
"We want to send you some of the most despicable human beings to your countries," Rubio stated in a Cabinet meeting.
The US has previously signed deals with El Salvador and Costa Rica to facilitate the deportation of suspected gang members, although many deportees have no criminal records.
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves acknowledged the agreement, saying, "Two-hundred will come, we treat them well and they will leave."
As the US expands its deportation efforts, international backlash and legal ambiguity raise serious questions about the future of such controversial policies.
Meanwhile, in Texas, detained Venezuelan migrants recently formed a giant "SOS" sign, pleading for help as deportation to El Salvador, and possible imprisonment, looms.
