‘Somalia is dangerous’: Former US deportees struggle with fear, uncertainty

The Struggle of Reintegration: Mukhtar’s Story in Mogadishu

In the bustling city of Mogadishu, Somalia, Mukhtar Abdiwhab Ahmed finds himself grappling with a life he never imagined. Sitting outside his home, surrounded by the vibrant yet perilous environment of the city, Mukhtar reflects on the journey that brought him here. A 39-year-old Somali native who spent most of his life in the United States, Mukhtar’s story is one of displacement, struggle, and the harsh realities of deportation. His Tattoos, once a symbol of his identity in America, now serve as a source of stigma in the conservative Somali society. Mukhtar’s decision to wear long sleeves is a testament to the cultural chasm he faces, as he navigates a society that is both unfamiliar and unwelcoming.

A Life in America and the Path to Deportation

Mukhtar’s journey began when he and his family fled Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the government. They settled in Seattle, Washington, where Mukhtar’s life took a turn for the worse. At just 16, he became entangled in crime and drugs, leading to a series of arrests and convictions. His most significant mistake came at 19, when he was charged with armed robbery and sentenced to two years in prison. Upon his release, he was transferred to an immigration detention center, marking the beginning of a prolonged legal battle that would ultimately lead to his deportation in 2018. Mukhtar’s story is a stark reminder of the consequences of criminal convictions for immigrants, as well as the challenges of readjusting to a homeland they no longer know.

The Dangers of Deportation to Somalia

The Trump administration’s recent announcement of deportation orders for over 4,000 Somalis has raised significant concerns among lawyers, activists, and deportees like Mukhtar. Somalia, a country plagued by insecurity, terrorism, and civil unrest, is ill-equipped to reintegrate deportees, many of whom left as children and have little connection to the country. The U.S. State Department itself warns its citizens about the dangers of visiting Somalia, citing crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Yet, the U.S. government continues to deport individuals to this volatile environment, putting their lives at risk. For many deportees, the trauma of their past experiences in Somalia, combined with the harsh realities of the present, creates a daunting and dangerous situation.

The Ordeal of deportation and Its Aftermath

Mukhtar’s deportation journey was far from smooth. In 2017, he was among 92 Somalis on a deportation flight that sparked international outrage due to allegations of abuse by ICE agents. The flight, which was supposed to reach Mogadishu, was diverted due to logistical issues, leaving the deportees in limbo. Upon their return to the U.S., most of the deportees, including Mukhtar, decided to accept deportation rather than face further incarceration and legal battles. When Mukhtar finally arrived in Mogadishu in 2018, he was struck by the unfamiliarity of the city and the challenges of starting over. His story is not unique; many deportees face similar struggles, including Anwar Mohamed, who was deported a month after Mukhtar and also grapples with the trauma of his past and the dangers of his present.

The Bigger Picture: The Plight of Somali Deportees

Mukhtar and Anwar’s experiences are part of a larger narrative of Somali deportees who are caught between two worlds. Many of these individuals fled Somalia as children, only to find themselves deported back to a country they no longer recognize. The U.S. government’s rationale for deportation often centers on the need to protect national security and public safety. However, critics argue that this approach disregards the human cost and the potential violations of international human rights laws, such as the Convention Against Torture. The decision to deport individuals to a country as dangerous as Somalia raises ethical and moral questions about the balance between national security and the protection of human life.

A Fragile Existence: Navigating Mogadishu’s Dangers

Life in Mogadishu is fraught with peril, as Mukhtar and Anwar can attest. The city is a landscape of contradictions, where signs of progress, such as paved roads and towering apartment buildings, coexist with the ever-present threat of violence. Explosions, armed attacks, and the constant fear of death are a daily reality for residents. For deportees, this environment is particularly challenging, as they lack the support systems and cultural knowledge to navigate it effectively. Coupled with the stigma of being a deportee and the loss of their American identity, individuals like Mukhtar and Anwar are left to navigate a fragile existence, where every step carries the risk of danger and every day is a struggle to survive.

Conclusion: The Human Cost of Deportation

Mukhtar’s story, as well as those of Anwar and countless other Somali deportees, highlights the human cost of deportation policies that prioritize national security over human lives. These individuals are caught in a cycle of trauma, displacement, and uncertainty, as they attempt to rebuild lives in a country that is both familiar and foreign. Their experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the need for a more compassionate and equitable approach to immigration and deportation, one that considers the complexities of their stories and the risks they face upon return. As Mukhtar and Anwar strive to make the best of the hand they’ve been dealt, their resilience in the face of adversity offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape.