Unveiling Eswatini: What America’s Deportation to an Absolute Monarchy Reveals About Our Immigration Policies

In a perplexing development that raises urgent questions about America’s immigration and foreign policy priorities, the United States recently deported five immigrants from diverse nations—including Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen, and Laos—to Eswatini. This small African kingdom stands out starkly on the global stage as one of the few remaining absolute monarchies—and the only one in Africa—where King Mswati III wields unchecked power over every aspect of government.

Why Is America Sending Deportees to a Country Without Political Freedom?

Eswatini is no ordinary country. Since ascending the throne in 1986 at age 18, King Mswati III has solidified his grip on power through decrees that circumvent any democratic process. Political parties have been effectively neutered since their ban decades ago. Genuine political participation is stifled; candidates must run as independents handpicked or approved by traditional leaders loyal to the king. Meanwhile, pro-democracy activists face repression or exile.

Amid such authoritarian control, it is difficult to understand why Washington would entrust Eswatini with the custody of deported individuals who are merely caught up in our immigration system. The self-enriching monarchy lives opulently—King Mswati reportedly holds wealth estimated between $200 million and $500 million, owns multiple luxury homes and cars, and maintains more than ten wives—all while over half of Eswatini’s population survives on less than $4 a day.

President Trump’s administration has sought to enforce immigration laws rigorously; however, this case illustrates how sending deportees to such regimes raises serious ethical and security questions. Does it serve American interests to partner with a government known for political suppression and instability? How does this align with our values of individual liberty and human dignity?

America First Means Protecting Our Borders Without Abandoning Our Principles

While Washington pursues tougher border security measures at home—a cornerstone of national sovereignty—it must not disregard the character of countries receiving our deportees. Eswatini’s reliance on foreign aid, including past assistance from the U.S., underscores its vulnerability and dependence rather than stability. Moreover, the nation’s struggles with rampant HIV/AIDS prevalence highlight broader systemic weaknesses.

This episode exposes a troubling blind spot in current policy: enforcement divorced from principled evaluation of destination countries’ governance and human rights record risks undermining American credibility abroad and potentially endangers those we deport.

If we are committed to putting American interests first, we must demand accountability not just domestically but also in how we manage international deportation partnerships. It is time for a strategic reassessment that respects our core values—freedom, dignity, lawfulness—and ensures America leads by example.

The question remains: How long will Washington continue outsourcing responsibility for vulnerable individuals without scrutinizing if those partners uphold even basic standards of justice? The answer matters deeply for our nation’s integrity and moral standing on the world stage.