At least 21 Liberians predominantly males are currently in the country after being deported from the United States of America for allegedly committing crimes against the laws of that country.  The deportees arrived in the country yesterday via the Roberts International Airport (RIA) and were received by the Liberian government through the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN).  Accordingly, the deportees served their various punishments for crimes they committed in the United States and according to the US laws, deportation proceedings follow the years of sentence. Deputy BIN Commissioner Archie P. Williams confirmed that out of 24 expected deportees only 21 were turned over to the BIN.Commissioner Williams said that the deportees though they are Liberians but needed to undergo various screening procedure which according to him involved the UNPOL, Liberia National Police (LNP) National Security Agency (NSA) and the BIN.

According to him, the screening process did not necessary mean that the fellows had committed crimes in Liberia, but as he said, it is intended to update records on them and keep them on records.   Days before their arrival, the BIN said that the deportation proceedings came following reports that the deportees reportedly violated the laws of the United States of America.   Immigration authorities identified some of the crimes ranging from robbery, assault, resisting arrest, shoplifting, sexual assault, rape, forgery, sex offenses against children, drug possession of cocaine, marijuana, and stealing vehicles amongst others. Unlike the past, the immigration confirmed that the deportees will be turned over to their immediate relatives and family members who were in attendance yesterday to be received by their families.

Commissioner Williams during his briefing urged Liberians to accept and welcome their brothers as there are planned programs intended to assist deportees quickly get integrated into the Liberian society.  When asked as to whether some of the crimes identified could pose security threat to the state, Commissioner Williams said yes, but noted that state securities have put into place operation that would keep track on their activities.  He said some of the deportees are skilled people and could easily be integrated. With those who have no family members here, Commissioner Williams said the government will seek involvement of national and international NGOs.      In December 2008, 23 Liberian deportees from the United States of America upon arrival in Liberia were sent to the Correctional Palace in Grand Gedeh County.

The deportees, according to the charge sheet from the U.S. government, were deported for various crimes ranging from cocaine possession, attempted assault on government officials, impersonation, and burglary to other criminal offences.  Immigration boss, Chris Massaquoi indicated at that time that the deportees were sent to the Correctional Palace for rehabilitation and counseling.  Commissioner Massaquoi said government was took the measure to ensure that the deportees were properly screened before being integrated into the society. Only one female was among the 2008 deportees. The most unfortunate individual in the recent deportee lineup is being sent home for Immigration violation-(Overstay), while other crimes like Indecent Exposure and Disorderly conduct were named. No female is reported in the listing of the deportees.   In August 2007, the Government of Liberia announced that 25 Liberians were  deported to the country from the United States after serving their respective jail sentences for various crimes committed in that country.   Again in March 2008, 30 Liberian refugees were deported from Ghana. Former Information Minister Lawrence Bropleh said at that time the first batch of nine women and twenty-one men arrived in the country. It was not actually clear as to what led to the right-away deportation.