Liberian authorities received the nation’s first deportation flight from the United States on Thursday under a bilateral agreement that could see up to 1,200 foreign nationals relocated to the West African country over the next year.
The flight carried approximately 20 deportees, primarily from Venezuela, Cuba, and Colombia, according to Liberian Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah.
Many of those transferred had sought protection from removal to their home countries, where immigration judges determined they could face torture or persecution. Liberian officials framed the arrivals as consistent with the country’s historical role as a sanctuary for displaced persons.
Officials stated the migrants are free to leave Liberia at any time or pursue formal asylum claims. The International Organization for Migration and the U.N. refugee agency will provide support services to the new arrivals.
The first group of 20 deportees are expected to arrive on Thursday. (REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon)
Reuters reported the aircraft departed Louisiana and made a stop in Senegal before landing in Monrovia at 12:45 p.m. local time.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Liberia underscored its history of offering refuge to those fleeing political and other crises, pledging not to repatriate anyone until legal proceedings conclude.
“The Government of the Republic of Liberia agrees not to return any person transferred to Liberia by the Government of the United States of America to their home country or country of former habitual residence until a final decision has been made regarding any pending protection claims,” officials said.
“The Government wants to emphasize that those being brought to Liberia are not criminals and are not being prosecuted in any manner under United States or Liberian law. They are being received as guests of the Republic of Liberia,” officials added.
A plane carrying deportees from the United States arrives at Roberts International Airport, Harbel, near Monrovia, Liberia, August 20, 2026. (REUTERS/Carielle Doe)
Liberia is not requesting financial compensation under the arrangement but will receive support to manage the program and bolster its broader migration infrastructure.
The United States has allocated $5 million this year for Liberian migration management activities, according to Reuters.
The accord, which permits up to 1,200 deportees, ranks among the largest third-country agreements on the African continent.
Security guards stand outside a building near Roberts International Airport as deportees from the United States arrive, in Harbel, near Monrovia, Liberia, August 20, 2026. (REUTERS/Carielle Doe)
Washington has secured similar arrangements with several other African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, Reuters reported.
