Deported migrant who '60 Minutes' painted as sympathetic family man claimed he was gay on asylum application

A “60 Minutes” segment highlighted the story of Moussa Diawara, a Malian national deported from the U.S. However, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claims Diawara’s asylum application revealed widespread immigration fraud, as he had declared himself homosexual fearing persecution in Mali. While the segment focused on his family, his asylum application stated that his sexual orientation would lead to execution if he returned to Mali. DHS officials have commented that immigration fraud is a significant issue and that fear claims are often untrue.

• “60 Minutes” featured the story of Moussa Diawara, a Malian national deported from the U.S.
• ICE alleges Diawara’s asylum application, filed in 2009, claimed he was homosexual fearing persecution in Mali.
• This claim appears to contradict the “family man” narrative presented in the “60 Minutes” segment.
• Diawara stated in his application that his sexual orientation could lead to his execution in Mali.
• DHS officials have noted that immigration fraud and untrue fear claims are common.
• A “60 Minutes” insider defended the report, mentioning Diawara’s claimed religious conversion as another reason for fear.
• Diawara had overstayed his visa and was deported to Ghana, then to Mali, and has since fled Mali to an undisclosed African country.