The House of Representatives issued an emergency warning and called on the Liberian government to support the imminent wave of deportees from the US. Lawmakers warn that if they don’t act quickly, they could cause serious social and economic disruption.
Leading the charges, Grande County District 2 representative Marie Johnson highlighted the need for immediate preparation, citing the massive deportation effort launched under former US President Donald Trump’s immigration policy. She warned that many deportees spent decades abroad, severing ties with Liberia, and now faced a difficult battle in reintegrating into society.
“As you know, our speakers, vice-chairmen and colleagues have committed to President Trump to carry out one of the biggest deportation efforts in US history.
Ongoing massive deportation operation
A January report revealed that the US government is planning to deport 1,563 Liberians as part of a wider crackdown on illegal immigration under the Trump administration. Deportation is part of the aggressive enforcement of the stricter immigration policy of the US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and targets undocumented residents.
The Liberians in question are one of the 1.4 million individuals documented for deportation as of November 2024. The exact timeline for its removal remains unknown, but reports show that undocumented deportation of migrants has already begun on the basis of the administration’s policies.
It’s not just the African countries that have been affected. Other countries, including Benin and Nigeria, also have citizens in the non-decisive dockets of ICE with final removal orders.
The move comes amid continuing debate over immigration in the United States, with the Trump administration doubling its efforts to curb illegal immigration and enforce deportation orders. Despite growing concerns, Liberian authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on the issue. However, disability deportation is expected to cause serious distress among the families of people affected by Liberia’s vulnerable economy.
Legislative push for reintegration strategies
Rep. Johnson outlined a series of urgent measures, including assessing the number of affected individuals, implementing reintegration programs, engaging in diplomatic discussions with the US government, and launching a public awareness campaign to help navigate the transition of returnees.
Her concerns were strengthened by Rep. Fodi Fahabale, who called for an immediate investigation into whether the US government provided an official list of retirees and the basis for their removal. He urged the Foreign Minister and the Liberian Immigration Commissioner to appear before the House of Representatives and make clear.
“It’s time to summon the Foreign Minister and the head of the NRS to determine if the US government shares an official list of deportees. If anyone has committed a serious crime, they must determine whether rehabilitation and special surveillance is required upon arrival,” he said.
Fahuballeh also warned that he had repeated past mistakes and failed governments that properly support Liberians who had been repatriated from Ghana.
Deeper national concerns
Rep. Ivar Jones has framed the deportation crisis as a symptom of Liberia’s sustained socioeconomic failure, particularly the ongoing departure of citizens in search of better opportunities abroad.
“Liberia is Africa’s oldest independent country, but our people continue to leave due to limited opportunities in their homes. This should be a call for awakening. If we don’t make our country more attractive, they will continue to leave.
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Jones urged Congress to prioritize investment in education, healthcare and employment, arguing that a stronger economy would not only block immigration, but would create conditions for skilled professionals to return.
Next steps and legislative monitoring
With deportation already underway, the House is expected to summon immigrants and foreign affairs in the next few days to develop a coordinated response.
Lawmakers warn that without immediate government intervention, Liberia could face an exacerbating humanitarian and economic crisis, which could lead to unemployment, crime and social instability. It is also expected that local and international organizations will promote reintegration measures to support carriers.
