Mixed reactions as Mnangagwa backs US deportation of 545 Zimbabweans

By Agencies

The Zimbabwean president on Wednesday expressed his government’s support for the US decision to deport undocumented migrants, including those from Zimbabwe, who, according to official data, number nearly 550.

“The Government of Zimbabwe supports the United States Government’s decision to repatriate and return our Zimbabwean citizens who may have been residing in the US illegally,” Emmerson Mnangagwa said in a statement on X.

On Jan. 22, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was granted authority to arrest irregular migrants in or near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals, and schools.

Since Trump took office, more than 5,000 undocumented immigrants have been detained, according to daily statistics shared by the ICE on X.

According to the ICE report released late last year, 545 non-detained Zimbabwean citizens face deportation and are waiting for final orders.

Mnangagwa’s comments sparked criticism on social media, with some users questioning his stance on the issue.

One user responded, saying, “Now create jobs for them. We don’t want any more influx due to your failures. Do the right thing for your people, it’s good for your health too. For once, leave a legacy that can help your citizens.”

Concerns were also raised about the large number of Zimbabweans living illegally in neighboring South Africa.

“What about those in South Africa?” one user posed.

The US has encouraged “foreign governments to take appropriate steps to confirm the citizenship of noncitizens suspected to be their nationals,” it said.

“The US government believes every country is obligated to accept the return of its citizens and nationals who are ineligible to remain in the United States. Lack of cooperation from the foreign government delays and, in many cases, inhibits the removal process,” the report said.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Los Angeles on Sunday to denounce the Trump administration’s measures to combat irregular migration, including operations to deport undocumented immigrants and stricter border policies.