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Pheap Rom, a Cambodian national deported by the United States, has shared his unsettling journey from prison in the US to a maximum-security facility in Eswatini, raising serious concerns about the treatment of deportees and the implications of third-country deportations. Rom, sent to Eswatini in October 2025 along with nine others, had anticipated being repatriated to Cambodia, a country he had never known, and expressed his dismay at being imprisoned in a nation he could barely locate on a map.
A Troubling Transition
Rom’s case is emblematic of a controversial deportation policy enacted during the Trump administration, which has seen numerous individuals sent to countries where they have no ties. In total, 15 individuals, including Rom, were deported to Eswatini last year, with the US government labelling them as dangerous criminals. However, Rom and his fellow deportees had already completed their sentences for various offenses committed in the US.
After serving a 15-year sentence for attempted murder, Rom was informed of his deportation to Cambodia—a country he had never visited, having been born in a Thai refugee camp. “Even if you were a convicted felon, at the end of the day we still deserve due process,” Rom stated, highlighting the inherent injustices faced by deportees. He had accepted his fate but was left shocked by the abrupt change in destination and treatment.
Conditions in Eswatini’s Prisons
Upon arrival in Eswatini, Rom and others were met not with freedom, but with the grim reality of confinement. According to Rom, the men were shackled and transported in cramped conditions for a lengthy flight, only to be greeted by armed military personnel. They were immediately taken to the Matsapha correctional complex, where the conditions were stark and harsh.
Rom described the dire circumstances inside the prison, including inadequate provisions, limited access to communication, and minimal outdoor time. Initially, the group was allowed just 15 minutes of fresh air per day and were given only a roll of toilet paper and a bar of soap each week. This treatment, he noted, exacerbated the mental health crises among detainees—one individual resorted to a hunger strike lasting 30 days.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The lack of legal representation for Rom and his fellow deportees raises significant questions about due process rights. Rom attempted to contest his deportation but was met with dismissive responses from officials. “Pack your shit and get the fuck out,” he recalled being told. Such statements illustrate a troubling disregard for individual rights within the deportation system.
The US Department of Homeland Security has defended these deportations, asserting that individuals who illegally enter the country and violate laws should face removal. However, the classification of these deportees as “criminal illegal aliens” overlooks the complexities of their situations, including the potential for human rights violations in receiving countries like Eswatini.
International Response and Future Concerns
Eswatini’s government has publicly asserted its commitment to the humane treatment of deportees, having received $5.1 million from the US to facilitate these deportations. Thabile Mdluli, a spokesperson for Eswatini’s administration, stated that the country endeavours to uphold the dignity and safety of all individuals within its borders. However, the reality of Rom’s experience raises concerns about whether these commitments are being met in practice.
As nations grapple with the challenges of immigration and deportation, the experiences of individuals like Rom serve as a sobering reminder of the human cost involved. With further deportations planned, the treatment of those sent to third countries remains a pressing issue that demands scrutiny.
Why it Matters
The story of Pheap Rom underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of deportation policies that leave individuals vulnerable to harsh and inhumane treatment in foreign nations. It highlights the importance of ensuring that due process is upheld and that the rights of deportees are protected, irrespective of their past. As the international community continues to address migration issues, the implications of such deportations extend far beyond national borders, affecting the lives and dignity of individuals caught in the crossfire.