Deported to Danger: U.S. Loophole in Africa

0:00It's March 21st, here's your global news in two minutes. A 28-year-old refugee from East Africa thought his ordeal was over after a U.S. immigration judge denied his asylum claim but ruled he could. Not be sent home due to danger there. After 13 months in detention in California, the judge said he was protected under U.S. law, free to leave, work, and stay in the country. But instead of release, immigration agents handcuffed him and flew him to Equatorial Guinea, a West African nation with no asylum system. This man is one of 29 deportees sent to Equatorial Guinea under secretive U.S. deals with at least seven African countries. These agreements let the U.S. bypass protections by shipping people to third nations instead of dangerous homelands. Experts call it a legal loophole and the U.S. spend millions, including $7.5 million to Equatorial Guinea. Lawyers and advocates describe harsh conditions for the group. Everybody from countries like Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Nigeria detained in an old hotel

1:03in Malabu, they face poor food, illness like malaria, and pressure to return home despite risks. One lawyer verified accounts of beatings during transfers and racist remarks from agents. Seventeen of the deportees have already been sent back to their home countries with no real options for protection. Ex-Senator Jean Shaheen slammed Equatorial Guinea as deeply corrupt and questioned the taxpayer money involved. Advocacy groups say those stuck their face indefinite detention or forced returns. The refugee remains in limbo, his hope fading after transfers through multiple states and a midnight flight on a charter plane. With no access to counsel and ongoing pressure, his story highlights the tough realities many face in this deportation pipeline.