The US government is reportedly planning to deport migrants to Libya—a country where migrants are routinely trafficked, arbitrarily detained, and subjected to forced labor.

The deportations—operated by the US military—could begin as soon as this week.

Deportation to slavery

Libya is no safe place for migrants. Since 2011, it has become notorious as a site of systematic human trafficking and modern slavery. Armed groups often intercept migrants and refugees at sea or capture them, detaining them inhumanely for indefinite periods. In detention, migrants are subject to torture, forced labor, and sexual abuse. A 2023 UN report found that both state and non-state actors in Libya commit crimes against humanity with impunity. This includes impunity for enslavement and sexual violence against migrants.

CBS News reports,

“Libya has also gained infamy over its treatment of migrants seeking to reach Europe, with both advocates and U.S. officials finding that detainees in the North African country face brutal conditions, due process violations and even torture in immigration detention centers.”

The US State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Libya. It cites risks associated with traveling to Libya, including “crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.” Despite these warnings, US officials are pursuing third-country deportation deals as part of a broader crackdown on migration.

Freedom United has long warned of the dangers of returning people to Libya. We have an ongoing campaign calling on the EU to end cooperation with the Libyan coast guard, whose returns to Libya contribute to the cycle of abuse.

Read more