The report was released February 13, 2026, amid ongoing diplomacy and political debate over the third-country deportation approach.

A Democratic-led Senate committee report finds the Trump administration spent more than $40 million to deport roughly 300 migrants to third countries over the past year as part of an effort to accelerate removals from the United States.

The investigation tallies expenses to five governments, including some with concerns about corruption, and notes that many deals cost over $1 million per person, raising questions about effectiveness and oversight.

Overall, the report indicates more than $30 million in expenditures through January 2026 for third-country removals, with lump-sum payments and potential costs rising above $40 million.

The article highlights questions about benefits to host countries and cites specific requests or conditions from states, such as South Sudan seeking support for prosecutions of opposition figures and sanctions relief for officials.

The report notes legal challenges and cautious signals from courts, including a judge pointing to patterns of evading legal obligations in deportations to destinations like Ghana.

There are indications of double payments and misalignment with home-country consent, with instances where governments were not properly consulted or informed.

Notable anomalies include a Mexican national deported to South Sudan and then flown back to Mexico, and a Jamaican national deported to Eswatini and later returned to Jamaica, illustrating inefficiencies and high costs.

Controversial destinations and outcomes are highlighted, including ongoing deportations to South Sudan, Iran, and El Salvador, with reports of detainee mistreatment in El Salvador’s CECOT facility.

Advocacy groups condemn the policy as violating due process and potentially stranding migrants in countries with human rights concerns, criticizing the lack of independent oversight.

Activists argue the policy is reckless and could leave migrants stranded abroad or flown back to the U.S., increasing costs and raising rights concerns.

Internal documents show 47 third-country agreements at various stages, with 15 concluded, 10 near conclusion, and 17 more negotiating, nine of which have taken effect.