Liberia to Accept Up to 1,200 U.S. Third-Country Deportees, First 20 Arrive Aug 20, 2026

The Liberian government has agreed to receive up to 1,200 people deported from the United States who are not Liberian nationals, marking one of the largest such third-country removal arrangements under the Trump administration. The announcement was made in Monrovia on August 18, 2026, with officials confirming that the first group of 20 deportees is scheduled to arrive in Liberia on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah stated the deportees, whose nationalities were not disclosed but are reported to be from Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean, will be received on humanitarian grounds. "The government wants to emphasise that those being brought to Liberia are being received as guests," Piah said. Officials affirmed the individuals would retain the freedom to leave Liberia whenever they choose or apply for asylum to remain in the country under applicable laws. Justice Minister Natu Oswald Tweh added that Liberian authorities had screened the arrivals, stating, "most of them are people who had immigration violations and offenses," and that none face criminal charges in Liberia or the United States.

The agreement stipulates Liberia will not receive...