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The Sierra Leone government has confirmed that it has received official notification from the United States regarding the planned deportation of 11 individuals believed to be Sierra Leonean citizens.
The announcement was made during a press briefing on Tuesday at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown by Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor.
According to Minister Lengor, the individuals are expected to return to the country in April. He emphasized that the deportees are not criminals but are being deported due to a lack of proper documentation to remain in the United States. The identities and specific details of the individuals were not disclosed.
Upon their arrival, each deportee will undergo a thorough verification process to confirm their Sierra Leonean citizenship.
Minister Lengor further assured the public that the government is prepared to facilitate the reintegration of the returning citizens clarifying that the individuals are not considered criminals and that the focus will be on helping them reintegrate into society.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sierra Leone, has already convened a stakeholder planning meeting to develop a coordinated approach for the safe and orderly reception of the returnees.
The planned deportations are part of a broader U.S. immigration enforcement effort under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has targeted undocumented migrants from multiple countries, including Sierra Leone. Recent reports suggest that over 1.4 million individuals worldwide, including 1,563 Sierra Leoneans, could be affected by these intensified enforcement measures.
So, what about the remaining individuals?.
They will be returning them as soon as they get in the hands of the police. I think they have data to determined such figures for undocumented migrants, but that doesn’t mean they will repatriate them as once.