The US Embassy in Podgorica informs Radio Free Europe (RSE) that the United States maintains a policy of not disclosing specifics surrounding diplomatic discussions regarding the deportation of foreign nationals without legitimate status.

This stance follows a Bloomberg report from June 6, indicating that the Trump administration aims to persuade Balkan nations to accept deported migrants predominantly from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, whose temporary legal status in the US has been revoked.

When inquired if Montenegro has been approached to accept these undesirable migrants, the Embassy refrained from giving a direct response, stating that regional countries are involved in broader strategic discussions.

“Our American allies and regional leaders are collaborating closely with us to address the issues of illegal and mass migration.”

The Embassy reaffirmed that executing the immigration policy under President Trump is a top priority of the State Department.

“The removal of individuals from the US with final deportation orders is crucial for protecting national security and public safety from foreign terrorists and other potential threats,” the statement revealed.

Furthermore, the Embassy emphasized that ongoing cooperation with foreign governments is essential to combat illegal and mass migration and ensure border security.

“As Secretary of State Rubio noted, we remain steadfast in our commitment to tackling illegal migration and bolstering the security of US borders, urging every country to promptly accept the return of citizens lacking legal residence in the United States.”

In certain cases, collaboration with other nations could facilitate the deportation of third-country nationals without legal grounds to remain in the US, the Embassy concluded.

What did Bloomberg report?

According to Bloomberg, the Trump administration is attempting to negotiate with Serbia and other Balkan nations to accept migrants who have been deported from the United States.

This effort is part of a strategy by the US administration to have partner governments accept foreign nationals, primarily from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, whose temporary legal status has been rescinded, a development enabled by the US Supreme Court in May.

Bloomberg mentions that regional US State Department officials have been assigned to propose this idea to possible partners, although it remains unclear if any agreements have been established to date.

In April, the Wall Street Journal noted that Washington was exploring the possibility of deporting migrants to Moldova, Kosovo, and other Balkan nations, but did not specify Serbia or Montenegro at that time.

Past inquiries by RFE/RL to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the deportation of Montenegrin citizens received no response.

Italy’s previous relocation of migrants to Albania

A potential agreement to accept deported migrants would not set a precedent in the Balkans.

A similar agreement existed between Italy and Albania, wherein Italian Minister Giorgio Meloni urged Balkan nations to establish migrant centers for individuals intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Europe from Africa.

In April, Italy transferred a group of 40 rejected asylum seekers to Albania, activating a cooperation agreement signed with Tirana’s authorities in late 2023.

The migrants were relocated from Brindisi to new detention centers in the Albanian towns of Shenjin and Xhader.

Through an 800 million euro arrangement, Italy has the authority to send up to 3,000 migrants monthly to Albania for processing and temporary accommodation over the following five years.

Italian Prime Minister Meloni referred to the agreement as “a critical step in the fight against illegal migration.”

Nonetheless, several Italian courts have mandated the return of migrants from Albania back to Italy, citing violations of international conventions and the rights of asylum seekers.

Legal experts and human rights organizations have cautioned that this model does not align with European Union legislation.

Divided public reactions

The agreement has garnered mixed responses in both Italy and Albania.

While officials in Rome and Tirana welcomed the collaboration, NGOs and local communities expressed apprehensions regarding the transparency of the process and the potential for violations of migrants’ rights.

“The relocation of migrants to non-EU countries sets a troubling precedent that could pave the way for further human rights abuses,” warned Francesco Feri from ActionAid earlier.

The agreement with Albania is under scrutiny from other European nations, including the Netherlands, which is considering similar arrangements with non-EU countries.

News