A controversial incident has emerged involving Pehab Rom, a Cambodian man who was deported from the United States to Eswatini, where he encountered severe conditions in prison. After serving a 15-year sentence for attempted murder in the U.S., Rom was sent to a country unfamiliar to him.
Rom, who immigrated to the U.S. as a refugee in 1985, had expected to be deported back to his home country, Cambodia. Instead, he was sent to Eswatini, where he was held in a maximum-security prison. He described how he had no opportunity to communicate with a lawyer after being informed of his deportation, facing harsh words from the authorities.
Details of the Incident
In October 2025, Rom was deported along with a group of ten others to Eswatini, joining a previous group of five men who had been deported in July of the same year. All were detained in a maximum-security prison, where they faced difficult conditions, including a lack of food and healthcare.
Rom stated that they received only one roll of toilet paper and a single bar of soap per week, reflecting the harsh conditions they endured. He also noted that some inmates lacked sufficient clothing, wearing only what they arrived in.
Background & Context
The U.S. policy of deporting immigrants to third countries is part of the strategy of the Donald Trump administration, which included deporting many individuals to countries they did not originate from. These countries included the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda.
While the U.S. government labels these individuals as dangerous criminals, their lawyers argue that they have already served their sentences in the United States. This policy has sparked widespread debate regarding human rights and legal procedures.
Impact & Consequences
Rom's experience illustrates how immigration policies can affect individuals even after serving their sentences. Many immigrants suffer from psychological stress due to their fear of returning to their home countries over human rights concerns.
Rom mentioned that one of his fellow inmates went on a hunger strike for 30 days, highlighting the psychological toll these policies can take on individuals. These experiences raise questions about how convicted immigrants are treated in the United States.
Regional Significance
The issue of deporting immigrants to third countries is a matter of concern for many Arab nations, as these policies can impact diplomatic relations between countries. There are also fears that some Arab nations may adopt similar approaches in dealing with immigrants.
Ultimately, Rom's story underscores the need to reconsider immigration and deportation policies, ensuring the rights of individuals regardless of their legal backgrounds.