US begins deporting migrants to Pacific island nation of Palau

The United States has initiated its controversial plan to deport migrants to Palau, a sparsely populated tropical island nation in the Pacific Ocean, according to an announcement from the island state on Wednesday.

Under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, Washington has been accelerating efforts to expel undocumented migrants and asylum seekers, proposing relocation to countries such as Uganda, El Salvador, and Rwanda. Palau, one of the world's least populous nations, agreed in December to accept up to 75 deportees as part of a contentious pact.

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We welcomed the first person at the airport at the end of May, took them to temporary accommodation, and helped them get a phone and settle in.

Palau's presidential office confirmed that the first individual arrived at the airport in late May. "We welcomed the first person at the airport at the end of May, took them to temporary accommodation, and helped them get a phone and settle in," the office stated in a message to AFP. However, the deportee reportedly did not intend to remain in the country, deciding to leave after approximately two weeks. Details about the individual and the reasons for their deportation, or their subsequent departure from Palau, remain undisclosed.

The International Organization for Migration met with the individual during their brief stay, but a spokesperson confirmed they declined assistance from the United Nations agency. The December memorandum of understanding stipulates that Palau will accept up to 75 deportees, all of whom must be non-convicted individuals, and Palau retains veto power over who is accepted. In exchange for hosting, the U.S. will provide Palau with $7.5 million for public services and infrastructure needs. Despite the agreement, some Palau lawmakers have unsuccessfully attempted to legally block the deportations. Palau, with a population of only 20,000 spread across hundreds of islands, is a close U.S. ally in the Pacific, granting the U.S. military access to its territory under a long-standing Compact of Free Association.

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After about two weeks, he decided not to stay.