From thousands of miles away, a Texas father provides everyday advice to his son from a country unknown to him. Moussa Diawara hails from Mali yet spent nearly 25 years in the U.S., marrying, raising two children, and working diligently. In a surprising twist, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported him to Ghana last summer, despite Diawara having no ties to the country. A judicial decision previously denied his deportation to Mali due to potential persecution.
“I still say to myself, ‘This isn’t real,’” Diawara expressed.
His case highlights the complexities involving third-country deportations under President Trump’s aim to enforce mass deportations.
Diawara’s Unexpected Journey
Diawara, 57, arrived in the U.S. on a tourist visa at age 32, overstayed, and subsequently sought asylum. His conversion to Christianity amidst Mali’s Islamic majority placed him at risk. Despite having no criminal history, a 2012 ruling enabled Diawara to live in the U.S. legally, ultimately securing a work permit.
On July 11, ICE detained him at his Texas home, barring access to legal counsel. By July 31, he faced deportation to Ghana—a place he’d never visited. Upon arrival, Diawara and others were confined, unable to communicate with family or attorneys. “It’s kidnapping,”
Diawara declared.
Escaping to another undisclosed location, Diawara acknowledged the right of U.S. deportation, excluding Mali. Mysterious documentation indicated Mali as the final destination, sparking concerns over procedural accuracy from DHS.
Scrutiny of Third-Country Deportations
Despite assurances from Ghana, criticisms abound over this deportation approach. Meredyth Yoon, an immigration attorney, and Senate Democrats argue potential international law violations. Evidence reveals Ghana often redirects deportees back to unsafe origins, defying U.S. court decisions.
A Democratic report critiques the Trump administration’s deportation deals, deeming them financially and diplomatically detrimental. Senator Jeanne Shaheen underscored the human and diplomatic costs of such operations.
Legal Perspectives on Deportations
James Percival of DHS refutes Ghana’s role in involuntary deportations. Concerning procedural precedents and misconceptions about third-country deportations, Percival emphasized nuanced governmental responsibilities.
Disconcerting video evidence showed Ghana officials forcibly expelling deportees like Rabbiatu Kuyateh, revealing alarming trends extending beyond Ghana alone. Additional reports indicated Sierra Leone positions itself as a deportee transition hub.
Percival highlighted a public safety threat, advocating deportations to countries prepared to accept offenders. The percentage of deportees with dangerous criminal records remains undetermined.
Review indicated Diawara’s flight contained a diverse mix of individuals, the majority possessing minimal or no criminal background. Percival reiterated compliance with legal provisions, praising the administration’s efforts to remove offenders.
Despite ongoing legal battles, including a federal appeals ruling challenging the policy’s lawfulness, deportations persist pending the Supreme Court’s review in December.
Diawara’s Quest to Reunite with Family
Attorney Reuben S. Kerben petitioned for Diawara’s return to the U.S., reflecting a family’s longing amidst emotional turmoil. His wife Barbara and children Corey and Chloe await his safe reunification in Texas.
Diawara’s absence profoundly impacts his family, with Corey expressing “It feels really empty without him.”
Barbara endeavors to maintain strength for her children, aptly highlighting ongoing emotional repercussions.