Denial from Libyan Governments on U.S. Plans to Deport Migrants

U.S. officials announced a plan to deport immigrants to Libya, prompting denials from the country's rival governments, each asserting that no agreements exist. This situation underscores the ongoing conflict in Libya and raises concerns about the humanitarian conditions migrants face in the country.

Following a statement from U.S. officials regarding plans to deport immigrants to Libya, both of the country’s rival governments have issued denials, rejecting any claims of an agreement that would permit such actions. U.S. military flights were said to be ready to operate as early as this week to transport deported individuals to Libya, a nation long divided between a government in the west, based in Tripoli, and another in the east led by warlord Khalifa Hifter.

In a formal statement, the Tripoli government, which is internationally recognized, proclaimed it has not consented to any arrangement allowing the transshipment of migrants. It emphasized the necessity of prior knowledge and agreement for any actions involving their territory, while hinting that some “parallel entities” may have independently coordinated with the U.S. This term alludes to Hifter’s administration, known for its contentious relations with the Tripoli government.

Similarly, the eastern government headed by Hifter released its statement asserting unequivocally that no agreements exist regarding migrant resettlement, regardless of origin. This lack of consensus highlights the challenge in establishing a coherent policy regarding deportations in a country with fragmented governance.

While the U.S. maintains formal ties only with the Tripoli administration, the recent visit of Hifter’s son to Washington raises questions about possible behind-the-scenes negotiations. During Donald Trump's presidency, Hifter had enjoyed favorable relations with the U.S., especially given eastern Libya's control over critical oil resources.

Critically, international humanitarian organizations have heavily scrutinized Libya's treatment of migrants. Reports describe the nation as a hub for those traveling to Europe, and detail numerous detention facilities where migrants reportedly face extreme violence, forced labor, and degrading treatment. These issues intensify the conversation regarding the morality and legality of the U.S. deportation strategy, especially when considering the conditions awaiting migrants in Libya should deportation proceed.