Monrovia, Liberia — The United States Government has deported twelve Liberian nationals to Liberia following their convictions for various criminal offenses committed during their stay in the United States of America.
The deportees arrived in the country on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, and were received by officers of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) at Roberts International Airport. Their deportation comes after the completion of prison sentences for crimes ranging from violent offenses to violations of public order laws.
According to the LIS, the deportees were involved in a range of serious offenses, including molestation of a minor, domestic violence, failure to register as a sex offender, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, rape, robbery, burglary, larceny, resisting arrest, child neglect, and driving under the influence (DUI).
Additional charges include crimes against persons and other public order violations.
Authorities disclosed that deportations of this nature are typically conducted via chartered flights under the supervision of U.S. security personnel. Individuals are only repatriated after serving their respective prison terms in the United States.
Upon arrival in Liberia, the deportees were handed over to the Liberia National Police (LNP) for fingerprint identification, documentation, and background checks.
Following the completion of these procedures, deportees are released to their families under the supervision of the Liberia Immigration Service. Authorities state that this process is intended to ensure accountability while providing an opportunity for reintegration into society.
As of early 2026, the U.S. has ramped up its mass deportation strategy, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reporting over 540,000 removals, driven by a significantly expanded officer workforce. The DHS is utilizing a “self-deportation” model, with 72,000 migrants using this option, and has increased detention capacity to over 73,000. According to reports, 70% of those arrested have criminal convictions or charges, with operations targeting gangs and individuals deemed threats.
New rules have been introduced to shorten the immigrant appeal process, aiming to reduce the backlog, alongside increased use of expedited removal. The administration has increased ICE resources and initiated local law enforcement partnerships under Section 287(g) to aid in detention and removal efforts. Increased enforcement has led to lawsuits from advocacy groups claiming that rapid deportations limit due process.
