US has deported 25,000 people to third countries under secretive deals, report shows

The United States has deported more than 25,000 people under secretive agreements with 35 countries to take migrants with no ties to those nations, according to an investigation published on Monday. Since US President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, Washington has been signing deals with developing countries to take migrants who cannot legally be sent home. The investigation by Forbidden Stories found the administration has earmarked $410 million (€357 million) to be paid directly to the receiving countries or to UN agencies to facilitate the returns. At least 25,447 people had already been deported to third countries by 31 August 2026, according to data compiled by Forbidden Stories with a consortium of international journalists.