Mystery surrounds US deportations to Liberia

Liberia’s agreement to accept up to 1,200 deportees from the US remains shrouded in mystery a day after the first 20 arrivals landed in Monrovia, leaving many wondering what Liberia is getting in return.

The Liberian government has insisted the deal is “not a transaction with a quid pro quo,” but that claim has failed to quiet the questions.

“It’s very hard to imagine that [claim] is true,” said Robert Blair, a Brown University professor who studies Liberian politics, adding that Monrovia likely expects “some sort of favorable treatment” from Washington down the line, even absent explicit terms.

“Everyone is basically speculating because so little is written down,” said one immigration attorney who has represented clients removed to third countries under earlier deals.

A State Department spokesperson called implementing President Donald Trump’s immigration policies a “top priority” but declined to offer details of the arrangement with Liberia.

“As a general matter, we do not comment on the details of our private diplomatic communications with other governments,” the spokesperson said.