Amnesty Warns of Torture Risk for Migrants Deported to Equatorial Guinea

The situation follows a series of secretive deportation deals orchestrated by the U.S. government, which has funneled tens of millions in taxpayer funds to relocate migrants to nations where they have no ties. Despite having secured protection from refoulement in U.S. immigration courts, Soliman and Birhane were flown to Equatorial Guinea earlier this year and held arbitrarily at the Hotel Bamy.

Amnesty International reports that police recently returned to the hotel, hooded the men with bags, and beat them with guns and knees. The detainees were subsequently transferred to the 'La Luna' gendarmerie station. Reports indicate the men are being denied food and legal counsel while suffering from visible injuries. Representative Adelita Grijalva has demanded the White House take accountability for placing the men in harm's way, calling for their immediate release and access to legal representation.