52 Sierra Leoneans in ICE Custody Awaiting Deportation from the U.S.
By Kelvin Jay
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, has disclosed that 52 Sierra Leoneans are currently in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are awaiting deportation.
According to the Minister, the information was received on Tuesday from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, confirming the number of Sierra Leonean nationals being held for immigration-related violations.
Minister Kabba reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to cooperating fully with the U.S. Government in the repatriation process, noting that Sierra Leone has consistently accepted its nationals who have overstayed their visas in the United States.
He further revealed that his Ministry has been actively engaging U.S. authorities to resolve issues surrounding the visa restrictions imposed on Sierra Leone, describing the ongoing discussions as “progressive.” As part of these engagements, he disclosed that he has received an invitation to Washington, D.C., to hold direct talks with U.S. officials aimed at addressing the visa ban.
The Foreign Affairs Minister expressed surprise and disappointment over the imposition of a full visa ban on Sierra Leone, especially at a time when efforts were being made to resolve concerns raised during the earlier partial visa restriction.
“I was shocked when we heard about the full visa ban on Sierra Leone, especially given the level of cooperation we have demonstrated in addressing the concerns raised by the U.S. Government,” Minister Kabba said.
He emphasized that under the current administration, Sierra Leone has consistently accepted the return of its citizens who have overstayed their visas, contradicting claims that the country has failed to do so.
Minister Kabba argued that the narrative suggesting Sierra Leone’s refusal to accept deportees is outdated, tracing such claims back to 2007, and insisted that they do not reflect the present reality.
“Under this administration, Sierra Leone has accepted the repatriation of its nationals. The presentation that Sierra Leone has failed to accept its citizens is an old narrative that no longer applies,” he stated.
The Minister assured the public that government engagement with U.S. authorities will continue, with the aim of restoring full visa privileges and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
