The Trump administration criticized a segment from CBS News’ “60 Minutes” aired on Monday, pointing out a significant detail that was omitted regarding the deportation of an illegal immigrant from Mali.
Moussa Diawara, a married father of two, was sent to Ghana in July, over ten years after he overstayed a tourist visa and sought asylum, which prevented his return to Mali, as indicated in the profile featured on “60 Minutes.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argues that the segment neglected to mention what they describe as an “absurd bit of fraud” concerning Diawara’s asylum application: his assertion that he identifies as gay.
Following the broadcast, DHS General Counsel James Percival expressed his thoughts on X, stating that Diawara had become a “poster child” for alleged wrongful deportations according to the show. Percival noted that after reviewing Diawara’s immigration file, it became clear that his basis for fearing return to Mali was his claimed sexuality, adding insight into the immigration fraud issue.
DHS reminded that Diawara received a final order of removal from a judge back in 2012, emphasizing that he claimed he would face persecution in Mali due to his homosexuality, regardless of being married to a woman and having two children.
The department explained that Diawara was removed to a third country that guaranteed his safety, and they pointed out that “60 Minutes” did not mention this crucial detail.
In documents from his asylum application, Diawara expressed gratitude, mentioning that in the USA, he felt free to express his feelings towards men without embarrassment.
He elaborated in the application, stating, “Even though I was born as a boy, my experiences were different as I found myself having feminine behaviors and feelings.” He also noted his comfort in being intimate with boys over girls.
In the “60 Minutes” segment, Diawara claimed that shortly after arriving in Ghana, he was coerced onto a flight back to Mali. CBS News reported that he found himself homeless and in hiding in Mali, fearing for his safety.
Ultimately, he managed to escape to another country with assistance from local truckers, although he requested that this location remain confidential due to safety concerns.
