Journalists Detained in Cameroon While Investigating U.S. Deportations

West Africa WeeklyFebruary 23, 20262 Mins read24

Four journalists were detained in Cameroon while investigating the deportation of African migrants from the United States under policies initiated during the administration of Donald Trump. The incident occurred at a state-run compound in Yaoundé where deported migrants were being housed.

According to two of the reporters, police officers entered the premises while interviews were underway and ordered them to stop recording. The journalists were accompanied by a lawyer representing most of the 15 deported migrants. All five individuals were taken into custody, and their phones, cameras and notebooks were confiscated. They were later released after several hours of questioning.

The deportees had reportedly been transferred from the United States to Cameroon under arrangements that have drawn scrutiny over transparency and legal safeguards. Some of the individuals are believed to originate from countries outside Cameroon and had pending asylum claims or unresolved immigration cases at the time of removal. Their arrival in Yaoundé has raised questions about the legal basis for their relocation and the protections afforded to them under international law.

The detention of the journalists has heightened concerns about press freedom and access to information. Reporting on migration and deportation remains sensitive in many jurisdictions, particularly where bilateral agreements are involved. The reporters have maintained that they were conducting lawful interviews and documenting the experiences of the migrants, many of whom described uncertainty about their legal status and future prospects.

Cameroonian authorities have not issued a detailed public statement explaining the detentions. However, the incident underscores the tension surrounding migration enforcement policies and the challenges faced by journalists seeking to report on them. The lawyer detained alongside the journalists was said to be gathering testimonies in preparation for potential legal action on behalf of the migrants.

The broader context includes ongoing debates in the United States about deportation policies and third-country transfer arrangements. While the Trump administration defended its approach as necessary for immigration enforcement, critics raised concerns about due process and humanitarian protections. The situation in Yaoundé has brought those debates into an African context, highlighting the ripple effects of global migration policies on receiving countries.

As of the latest updates, the deported migrants remain in Cameroon, and advocacy groups are monitoring their conditions. The journalists involved have resumed reporting and say they remain committed to covering the story despite the temporary detention.