By Alexander Nyeneken
September 19, 2026
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported Amos Sheik Massaquoi, a former Liberian combatant accused of involvement in killings, torture and other serious human rights abuses during Liberia’s civil wars.
ICE Chicago said the 55-year-old Liberian national was removed to Liberia on August 11, 2026, following immigration enforcement proceedings.
According to ICE, Massaquoi is believed to have ordered and participated in extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests and detention, forced labor, and the recruitment of child soldiers during Liberia’s civil wars from 1989 to 2003.
The agency also alleges that Massaquoi served as chief bodyguard to Maj. Gen. Daniel Chea, identified by ICE as a former leader of Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia.
ICE said Massaquoi later received specialized military training at a military academy in China in 2004.
Frank Padula, Director of the ICE Chicago Field Office, said U.S. authorities would continue pursuing individuals accused of human rights violations abroad.
Padula warned that people accused of committing atrocities overseas should not expect to evade accountability by remaining in the United States.
ICE said Massaquoi was ultimately removed and returned to Liberia on August 11.
