52 Sierra Leoneans in ICE Detention Await Deportation — Foreign Affairs Minister Confirms
By JKM
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Timothy Musa Kabba, has confirmed to Truth Media that 52 Sierra Leonean nationals are currently being held in detention by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are awaiting deportation.
In the interview, the Minister further disclosed that the United States has formally requested Sierra Leone to accept third-party nationals as part of ongoing negotiations aimed at lifting the full U.S. visa restrictions imposed on Sierra Leone, noting that the government is carefully reviewing the request. Mr. Kabba emphasized that any consideration of accepting third-party nationals would be limited strictly to citizens of West African countries and would be undertaken only within the framework of Sierra Leone’s refugee laws.
According to the Foreign Minister, the individuals currently in ICE custody are at different stages of removal, with many having exhausted available legal avenues under U.S. immigration law. He stressed that deportation decisions fall within the sovereign authority of the host country but said Sierra Leone continues to engage U.S. authorities to ensure its citizens are treated humanely.
“Our engagement with the United States is ongoing,” Mr. Kabba said. “While immigration enforcement is a matter of U.S. law, we are committed to safeguarding the dignity and rights of Sierra Leoneans affected by these processes.”
The Minister also assured Truth Media that the government is making contingency arrangements to receive deportees should removals proceed, including coordination with relevant agencies to support reintegration.
Mr. Kabba used the opportunity to urge Sierra Leoneans living abroad to regularize their immigration status and comply with the laws of their host countries, warning that tightening immigration policies globally require greater vigilance from migrants.
The disclosures have triggered concern among Sierra Leonean diaspora communities in the United States, particularly over the potential humanitarian and social impact of both deportations and the proposed acceptance of third-party nationals.
