Deals under discussion include nations in Latin America, Africa, and Asia
Stephen Miller, architect of Trump-era immigration policy, is directing a new initiative to accelerate deportations of migrant children and negotiate removal agreements with 30 countries, according to recent reports. The effort, based in Washington D. C., began intensifying in September 2026 as part of a broader strategy to expand rapid removals beyond traditional destination nations. Miller’s team is working with foreign governments to accept deportees who are not citizens of those countries, aiming to bypass legal obstacles in U. S. courts. The push focuses on shortening processing times for unaccompanied minors and families apprehended at the border, using executive authority to fast-track removals. Officials say the goal is to reduce backlogs in immigration courts by transferring individuals to partner nations that agree to accept them, even if they have no prior connection.
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French students and teachers protest inadequate school resourcesDeals under discussion include nations in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, though specific countries have not been publicly named. Critics warn the approach risks violating international protections for children and asylum seekers. How Are Third-Country Deportations Being Accelerated? The administration is using bilateral agreements that allow the U. S. to send migrants to safe third countries where they can seek asylum or be removed. These arrangements rely on diplomatic negotiations rather than congressional approval, enabling swift implementation. Miller’s team has reportedly offered economic incentives and security cooperation to persuade reluctant governments. The strategy mirrors earlier efforts during the Trump administration but now targets a broader range of nationalities, including children who previously received special protections. What Legal Challenges Could Arise from Deporting Children? Human rights groups argue that removing migrant children to third countries may violate the Flores Settlement, which sets standards for the detention and release of minors.
Courts have previously blocked similar attempts
Courts have previously blocked similar attempts, citing risks of persecution or inadequate care in destination countries. Despite this, Miller’s allies claim the new framework includes monitoring mechanisms to ensure safety. The Department of Justice is preparing to defend the policy in federal court, anticipating lawsuits from advocacy organizations as soon as the first removals occur. Frequently Asked Questions What defines a third countryin this context? A third country is a nation that is not the migrant’s home country or the United States, where the U. S. seeks to deport individuals under bilateral agreements, even if they have no ties to that nation. Why are migrant children being prioritized in this new push? Officials say processing children quickly reduces court backlogs and deters future migration, though critics argue it endangers vulnerable minors and may breach legal protections for minors in custody.
How many countries have agreed to these deportation deals so far? While Miller’s team is negotiating with 30 countries, the exact number of finalized agreements has not been disclosed, and no public list of partner nations has been released.
