In April, over half of the 15 Latin American individuals deported to Congo under the Trump administration’s deportation policies have since returned to their countries of origin. The Congolese government and a lawyer for the deportees confirmed this on Friday.
U.S. immigration judges determined these individuals faced potential persecution if they returned home. Despite this, the Trump administration made deals with various African nations, including Congo, to facilitate third-country deportations. These agreements, often not publicized, led to the deportation of thousands to countries that were not their own.
Alma David, an attorney based in the U.S., represents one of the 15 migrants. She reported that eight deportees have returned home in recent weeks. Her client, a Colombian woman, remains in Congo and had outlined her challenging conditions in the country during an interview with The Associated Press.
Another Colombian, Adriana Maria Quiroz Zapata, also remains in Congo. A federal judge had ruled for her return to the U.S., but Congo initially rejected her due to an inability to meet her medical needs. Four Peruvians and three Colombians returned home, aided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which covered their travel expenses under the Assisted Voluntary Return program. This program offers a voluntary alternative to forced deportation.
The migrants had won protections from being sent back to their home countries based on the U.S. courts’ rulings, acknowledging the risks of persecution. David noted concerns about the voluntary nature of their return, as it might indicate a lack of viable options available to them.
The IOM emphasized that all returns under this program must be made voluntarily, with free, prior, and informed consent. Additionally, a Colombian man independently returned to his home country.
The Congolese government issued a statement, emphasizing the temporary nature of these arrangements. Further deportations are expected to occur according to the agreement.
Meanwhile, rights lawyers have filed a legal case against Equatorial Guinea at Africa’s top human rights body, accusing them of violating deportees’ rights by forcing their return to home countries from the U.S.
Saleh Mwanamilongo from the Associated Press contributed additional reporting from Bonn, Germany.