By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Police has confirmed that 42 Sierra Leoneans have been deported from the United States with officials warning that the number is set to rise sharply in the coming months.
That announcement was made by Superintendent Mohamed Kugba Allieu, head of the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU), during a Press Briefing held on Wednesday, September 10, at the Senior Police Officers Mess in Kingtom. He disclosed that nearly 2,000 additional Sierra Leoneans are expected to be deported before the end of the year, describing the situation as a growing challenge for both law enforcement and communities.
According to Mohamed Kugba Allieu, 95 percent of current deportation cases are linked to incomplete documentation, while illegal entry into the U.S. was cited as the leading cause of removal. He stressed that these deportations form part of broader international efforts to combat irregular migration and organized crime, while also addressing national security concerns.
The TOCU chief acknowledged the complex difficulties deportees face upon returning to Sierra Leone, particularly those who have lived abroad for many years and have lost contact with their families. In such cases, he explained, sureties are required before counseling and reintegration programs can be offered. He further emphasized that deportation is not considered a criminal offense in Sierra Leone and that those returned from the U.S. are not stigmatized. Instead, support mechanisms are in place to help them resettle into society.
Superintendent Mohamed Kugba Allieu urged Sierra Leoneans to exercise patience and loyalty to their country, noting that lawful migration remains the only safe and sustainable path. He underscored the importance of national pride and the need for citizens to contribute positively to Sierra Leone’s development, rather than seeking irregular means of entry into foreign countries.
The looming arrival of thousands more deportees will present a significant test for Sierra Leone’s institutions, which are working to balance national security with humanitarian support and reintegration. Authorities have reassured the public that they remain committed to ensuring deportees are treated with dignity while strengthening measures to prevent further irregular migration.
