Abrego Garcia deportation case brings attention to African nation Eswatini

Fox News now offers the option to listen to articles, making it easier for users to consume news on the go. The recent case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia facing deportation has sparked interest in the small African nation of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland.

Located in the southern part of Africa, Eswatini is surrounded by South Africa and partially bordered by Mozambique. With a population of over 1.2 million, it is comparable in size to Hawaii at 6,704 square miles. The country was renamed Eswatini by its king in 2018, marking its independence from British colonial rule in 1968.

Abrego Garcia, originally facing deportation to Uganda, raised concerns about persecution or torture risks in over 20 countries, including several in Latin America. The Department of Homeland Security highlighted his fear of the entire western hemisphere, questioning the credibility of his claims.

In a show of solidarity, Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended warm wishes to Eswatini on its Independence Day, emphasizing the shared values of security, public health, and economic prosperity between the two nations. The State Department maintains a level two travel advisory for Eswatini, advising caution for American travelers.

Abrego Garcia’s deportation to El Salvador earlier this year stirred controversy, with Democrats criticizing the handling of his case. Accused of being a member of the MS-13 gang and engaging in criminal activities, he is currently in federal custody in Virginia. A federal judge has temporarily blocked his deportation to Uganda, citing due process concerns.

Despite these allegations, Abrego Garcia’s attorney refutes the claims, stating that they are baseless. The ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities of immigration enforcement and due process rights for individuals facing deportation.

As the case continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the treatment of immigrants and the need for fair and just immigration policies. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

This article was written by Cameron Arcand, a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. For story tips and updates, you can reach out to Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter at @cameron_arcand.