Rwanda received migrants deported from the US earlier this month

By Daphne Psaledakis and George Obulutsa

Rwanda received seven migrants deported from the United States earlier this month, the government spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday, weeks after the two countries reached an agreement for the transfer of up to 250 people.

“The first group of seven vetted migrants arrived in Rwanda in mid-August,” Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said in a statement.

“Three of the individuals have expressed a desire to return to their home countries, while four wish to stay and build lives in Rwanda. Regardless of their specific needs, all of these individuals will receive appropriate support and protection from the Rwandan government.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a hardline approach toward immigration, aiming to deport millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally and seeking to ramp up removals to third