U.S. Deports Nine Migrants in Secret, Ignoring Legal Protections

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by Pranav Baskar and Hamed Aleaziz

February 15, 2026

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The U.S. government secretly deported nine migrants to Cameroon, despite court orders protecting them from removal. These individuals, who fled their home countries due to war or persecution, were detained at a state-owned compound in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital, after being handcuffed and chained during a Department of Homeland Security flight. The operation, conducted under a classified agreement, highlights the Trump administration’s controversial global deportation strategy, which often involves discreet deals with foreign governments. Most of those deported have been held since January without access to legal representation or information about their status. The lack of transparency surrounding the deal raises concerns about U.S.-Cameroon diplomatic relations. Government documents obtained by The New York Times reveal that no formal agreement was publicly announced, and Cameroon’s Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment on the matter. This secrecy underscores broader issues with Trump’s deportation policies, which frequently bypass legal protections granted in U.S. courts. By deporting individuals to countries where they may face dangers similar to those they fled, the administration risks violating international human rights standards. This case marks the first known expulsion of migrants to Cameroon under such conditions. Advocates argue that these actions undermine due process and expose vulnerable populations to further harm. The detainees have reportedly been informed they can only leave if they agree to return home, leaving them in a precarious situation with limited recourse. The incident sheds light on the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation tactics, which rely heavily on unpublicized agreements with foreign governments. By ignoring legal protections and operating in secrecy, the U.S. risks eroding trust in its immigration policies and international relationships. This story is significant for readers interested in immigration rights, human rights, and the ethical implications of global deportations. This case underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability in U.S. deportation practices. As the world grapples with migration crises, the handling of these individuals’ cases raises critical questions about justice and security.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/15/2026