Challenges Faced by Latin Americans Deported to Congo

Fifteen Latin Americans expelled in April to Congo under the Trump administration’s significant crackdown on migrants have faced notable circumstances. More than half have returned to their countries, according to the Congolese government and their legal representatives. U.S. immigration judges determined these individuals were at risk of persecution in their home nations.

Congo is one of several African countries participating in third-country deportation deals with the U.S. Through largely confidential agreements, thousands have been sent to nearly two dozen non-native countries, according to advocates. Immigration lawyers argue these deportations exploit a loophole to indirectly return asylum seekers home.

Attorney Alma David, representing one deported individual, reports that eight migrants have gone back to their countries recently. Her client, a Colombian woman previously discussing her Congo conditions with The Associated Press, remains in Congo. Another Colombian, Adriana Maria Quiroz Zapata, is also still there, despite a federal judge’s order to the Trump administration for her return to the U.S. She was sent to Congo, which initially rejected her due to her medical needs.

Four Peruvians and three Colombians have recently returned home with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This U.N.-affiliated agency facilitates their return through the Assisted Voluntary Return program, covering expenses and logistics as an alternative to enforced deportation.

David stated the migrants had received U.S. federal court protections against returning home, with the courts recognizing the likelihood of persecution. However, David noted concerns that the lack of alternatives left them feeling compelled to leave. The IOM emphasizes that these returns are voluntary and require informed consent.

In recent weeks, a Colombian man independently returned to his native country. According to the Congolese government, these instances demonstrate the temporary and transitional nature of the arrangement, with more departures scheduled soon.

On the same day, rights lawyers filed a case against Equatorial Guinea with Africa’s leading human rights body. They accuse the nation of unlawfully sending U.S. deportees back to their homes, breaching their rights.