Pheap Rom, a Cambodian national recently deported from the United States, has shed light on the troubling circumstances surrounding his expulsion to Eswatini, a nation he had never heard of prior to his forced relocation. Rom’s experience underscores a broader issue regarding the treatment of deportees and the legality of such deportations to third countries, particularly amid concerns about human rights.
A Journey of Uncertainty
Rom, who served 15 years in the US for attempted murder, was one of a group of 15 individuals deported to Eswatini in late 2025. While the US government has labelled these men as dangerous criminals, their lawyers argue that they had already completed their sentences. Rom’s expectations of being sent back to Cambodia, where he was born in a Thai refugee camp but had never lived, were dashed when he found himself in a maximum-security prison in Eswatini instead.
“I accepted that I would be deported to Cambodia, but I was shocked to find myself in a place I knew nothing about,” Rom stated, reflecting on the abrupt change in his circumstances. He revealed that upon hearing the name Eswatini, he initially mistook it for another detention centre in Louisiana.
Legal Ramifications and Due Process
Rom’s case highlights significant legal and ethical concerns regarding deportation practices employed by the US. Following his conviction, he spent nearly 11 months detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before being transported to Eswatini. Despite his attempts to challenge the deportation order, he claimed he had no access to legal counsel and was met with hostility when he sought clarification on his fate.
In his own words, Rom expressed, “Even if you were a convicted felon, at the end of the day we still deserve due process. If our due process is taken away, anybody else’s due process can be taken away.” This sentiment resonates deeply, as it raises questions about the rights of individuals facing deportation and the processes that govern such actions.
Inhumane Conditions in Eswatini
Upon arrival in Eswatini, Rom and his fellow deportees were greeted not with freedom, but rather with armed military personnel and immediate incarceration. He described dire conditions within the Matsapha correctional complex, where the men were given minimal provisions and limited access to the outside world. Initially, they were allowed just 15 minutes of outdoor time each day and only one phone call per week.
The psychological toll of their situation was severe, with one detainee resorting to a hunger strike for 30 days due to the oppressive environment. Over time, conditions improved slightly, allowing for increased outdoor time and the ability to purchase items from a shop, but the initial experience left a lasting impact on the men’s mental health.
International Context and Future Implications
The US government under the Trump administration initiated a controversial approach to deportation, sending individuals to third countries, including Eswatini, which has a troubled human rights record. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda have also participated in similar deportation agreements. Eswatini has reportedly received $5.1 million from the US to facilitate the accommodation of deportees, with officials asserting their commitment to uphold human rights and dignity.
Rom’s story is just one of many that illustrate the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding deportations. His eventual return to Cambodia in March 2026, six months after another deportee, Orville Etoria, was sent back to Jamaica, further complicates the narrative. Both governments had indicated willingness to accept their nationals directly from the US, making Rom’s experience all the more perplexing.
Why it Matters
Pheap Rom’s ordeal shines a light on the intricate interplay of immigration policy, human rights, and international relations. As deportations to third countries become increasingly common, they pose significant challenges not only to the individuals affected but also to the countries that receive them. The lack of due process and the potential for inhumane treatment in foreign detention facilities raise urgent questions about the ethics of such practices and the responsibilities of nations towards individuals who have already served their sentences. This case serves as a crucial reminder of the need for reform in immigration policies that respect human rights and ensure fair treatment for all.
