The story of Pheap Rom, a Cambodian national recently deported from the United States to Eswatini, sheds light on the complexities and ethical implications surrounding the expulsion of migrants to countries where they may have little or no connection. Rom, who had already served a lengthy prison sentence in the US, found himself imprisoned in an unfamiliar land, raising questions about due process and human rights.
A Troubling Transition
Pheap Rom’s journey began in the United States, where he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted murder. Upon serving his time, he anticipated being deported to Cambodia, the country of his ancestry, as he arrived in the US as a refugee at the tender age of three. However, in October 2025, Rom was among ten individuals deported to Eswatini, a nation he initially mistook for an immigration facility in Louisiana. This misunderstanding underscores the confusion and distress faced by deportees.
Rom’s ordeal was emblematic of a broader policy shift under the Trump administration, which facilitated the deportation of individuals to third countries not of their origin. In total, 15 deportees were sent from the US to Eswatini, joining others from various nations, including Cuba, Jamaica, and Vietnam. These individuals were described by US authorities as “dangerous criminals,” yet their advocates argued that they had already served their sentences for crimes committed on American soil.
Life Behind Bars in Eswatini
Upon arrival in Eswatini, the deportees were met not with freedom but with the grim reality of imprisonment. They were taken directly to Matsapha correctional complex, a maximum-security facility known for its harsh conditions. Rom recounted that the deportees received minimal supplies—merely a roll of toilet paper and a bar of soap each week. Initially, they were allowed only 15 minutes of outdoor time daily and limited communication with the outside world.
The psychological toll on the detainees was severe. Rom described how the fear of returning to their home countries, often due to political instability or human rights violations, exacerbated their mental health struggles. One individual resorted to a hunger strike that lasted 30 days, demonstrating the desperation felt by many.
Eventually, conditions improved slightly; detainees were permitted to use mobile phones and had access to outdoor time and a shop. However, the initial months were marked by extreme uncertainty and distress.
The Role of the US Government
The US Department of Homeland Security has defended these deportations, asserting that individuals who violate immigration laws face removal from the country. A spokesperson stated, “If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, you will be removed.” However, critics argue that these policies disregard the complexities of individual cases and the potential for human rights abuses in the receiving countries.
Eswatini’s government, which has received significant financial support from the US—over $5 million to accommodate deportees—maintains that it is committed to upholding the dignity and rights of those it receives. Thabile Mdluli, a spokesperson for the Eswatini government, stated, “The government has made every reasonable effort… to ensure that the third-country nationals received from the United States government are accommodated in conditions that respect their fundamental rights and human dignity.”
The Call for Due Process
Rom’s reflections on his experience highlight a critical concern regarding due process for deportees. “Even if you were a convicted felon, at the end of the day we still deserve due process,” he asserted. His comments serve as a poignant reminder of the need for fair treatment and legal representation in the deportation process, particularly for those being sent to unfamiliar and potentially dangerous environments.
Having been returned to Cambodia in March 2026, Rom hopes to advocate for others still facing uncertainty in Eswatini and similar situations. “I might be free,” he noted, “but I want people to know that there are still people who are in prison in a third country.”
Why it Matters
The case of Pheap Rom underscores the ethical implications of third-country deportations and the urgent need for comprehensive reform in immigration policies. As nations grapple with the complexities of migration and human rights, Rom’s story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals caught in the crosshairs of bureaucratic decisions. It raises critical questions about the responsibilities of governments to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their legal status, are treated with dignity and respect. As deportations continue, the international community must advocate for systems that prioritise human rights and due process, ensuring no one is left without a voice in their own fate.