State Dept Sends $7.5M In Refugee Funds To Equatorial Guinea To Take U.S. Deportees

The Guardian reports the U.S. redirected $7.5m from the Migration and Refugee Assistance emergency fund to Equatorial Guinea to accept noncitizen deportees, a first-of-its-kind repurposing of humanitarian funds. Lawmakers and rights groups warn the deal—part of a broader push for third-country deportations secured with payments or pressure—carries high risks of abuse given Equatorial Guinea’s repressive record. State Department officials framed the transfer as advancing immigration enforcement and security cooperation.