Libya Denies Agreement With US on Deporting 792 Migrants Amid Rival Governments’ Rejection and Trump Deferring to DHS

In the past month, Libyan authorities have deported 792 migrants to remote towns in northeastern Niger, where many arrive injured, thirsty, and hungry, according to humanitarian organizations. Meanwhile, reports have emerged that the Trump administration plans to deport migrants to Libya, a country plagued by conflict and notorious for its harsh migrant detention centers with documented human rights abuses. However, Libya's two rival governments, including the Government of National Unity and the Libyan Army, have denied any agreements or understandings with the United States regarding the acceptance of deported migrants. Libyan officials emphasized their sovereignty and rejected the use of Libyan territory for migrant deportations without their consent, noting that some unauthorized groups might be involved in unofficial arrangements. The U.S. State Department warns against travel to Libya due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and other dangers. President Donald Trump has neither confirmed nor denied the deportation plans, deferring questions to the Department of Homeland Security. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the Trump administration's plan followed statements from senior Libyan officials who were reportedly open to accepting deportees in exchange for political support to the Tripoli-based government, though this has been officially denied by Libyan authorities.