Chicago – February 13, 2026
Senate Democrats released a report on February 13, 2026, accusing President Donald Trump’s administration of squandering millions in taxpayer dollars on foreign deportation agreements that deliver little benefit.
High Costs Highlighted
The 30-page study from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Democrats reveals over $32 million paid directly to five nations—Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Eswatini, and Palau—for accepting roughly 300 third-country deportees by January 31, 2026. Some cases exceeded $1 million per person, often using pricey military aircraft at more than $32,000 per hour. A stark example: a Jamaican deported to Eswatini for over $181,000 was later returned to Jamaica at additional U.S. expense after a court ruling.
Policy Concerns Raised
Led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the report—signed by eight Democrats including Chris Coons and Cory Booker—slams the practice as “fraud, waste, and abuse,” noting poor oversight in deals with corrupt regimes and no follow-up on deportees’ treatment. Critics argue it aims to scare migrants into self-deportation, with the State Department pursuing pacts with 70-80 more countries. The White House has not commented.
