A Cuban man, Roberto Mosquera del Peral, deported from the United States to Eswatini as part of a Trump administration immigration policy, has reportedly begun a hunger strike. The man is protesting his continued detention in the southern African nation. His lawyer asserts his detention is arbitrary and his life is now at risk.
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Mosquera del Peral was among a group of five third-country nationals deported from the U.S. to Eswatini in July. These deportations occurred amidst a broader increase in third-country removals under the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. He, along with ten others deported in October, are being held in a maximum-security prison. The U.S. government has characterized those deported to Eswatini as convicted criminals. However, lawyers representing the men argue that they have already completed their sentences in the U.S. and that there is no legal justification for their continued imprisonment.
Alma David, Mosquera del Peral’s U.S.-based attorney, stated that her client initiated his hunger strike on October 15th. She has demanded that he be granted access to legal counsel in Eswatini. As of the latest reports, a spokesperson for Eswatini’s correctional services department had not provided an immediate comment but indicated they would review the information.
Legal Challenges Faced by the Deported Cuban Man in Eswatini
A local attorney in Eswatini has been engaged in a legal battle to gain access to the deportees. The Eswatini government has thus far denied access. This lack of access has complicated efforts to provide legal representation and assess the conditions of their detention. The legal basis for the continued detention of these individuals in Eswatini remains a point of contention, with lawyers arguing that it violates international legal standards and basic human rights.
The case highlights the complexities of third-country deportations and the potential for human rights concerns when individuals are removed to countries where they may face persecution or lack adequate legal protections. The situation also raises questions about the due process rights of individuals subject to deportation and the extent to which the U.S. government ensures their safety and well-being after removal.
Contradictory Claims Regarding the Cuban Man’s Criminal History
There are conflicting accounts regarding Mosquera del Peral’s criminal history. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated in June that he had been arrested by immigration authorities in Miami and that his criminal record included convictions for homicide, aggravated assault on a police officer, and aggravated battery. However, his attorney, Alma David, disputes this account. She claims that he was convicted of attempted murder, not murder, and that he had completed his sentence before being deported.
These conflicting claims underscore the importance of verifying criminal records and ensuring accuracy in deportation proceedings. The discrepancies also raise concerns about the potential for misinformation to influence immigration decisions and the need for transparency and accountability in the deportation process. The case illustrates how different interpretations of legal proceedings and criminal records can have significant consequences for individuals facing deportation.
The Broader Context of US Deportations to Eswatini
The deportation of Roberto Mosquera del Peral and others to Eswatini is part of a larger trend of third-country removals initiated under the Trump administration. This policy involves deporting individuals not to their country of origin but to a third country, often based on agreements or arrangements between the U.S. and the receiving country. Critics of this policy argue that it can lead to human rights abuses and that it circumvents international legal obligations to protect refugees and asylum seekers.
The situation in Eswatini highlights the challenges faced by individuals deported to countries where they may have no family, community ties, or legal support. The lack of transparency surrounding these deportations and the difficulties faced by lawyers in accessing their clients raise concerns about the fairness and legality of the process. The case of Mosquera del Peral underscores the need for greater scrutiny of third-country deportation policies and their impact on the rights and well-being of those affected.
The hunger strike undertaken by Roberto Mosquera del Peral underscores the desperation and frustration felt by those subjected to prolonged detention following deportation. The situation calls for urgent attention from both the Eswatini government and international human rights organizations to ensure that his rights are protected and that his case is resolved fairly and transparently. The case also serves as a reminder of the human cost of immigration policies and the importance of upholding due process and human rights in all deportation proceedings.
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