Latin American Deportees in Congo: Return to Home Countries Amid Challenges

The Congolese government and legal representatives report that over half of the 15 Latin American migrants deported to Congo in April under the Trump administration’s policy have now returned to their home countries. U.S. immigration judges acknowledged the potential risk of persecution these individuals faced if they returned to their original countries.

Congo stands among at least eight African nations with agreements allowing third-country deportations. These arrangements have enabled the deportation of thousands to nations that are not their own. Critics argue these deportations serve as a loophole, effectively coercing asylum seekers to return home indirectly.

Alma David, a lawyer based in the U.S. representing one of these migrants, reported the recent repatriation of eight individuals. Her client, a Colombian woman who had previously shared her experiences from Congo with The Associated Press, remains in the country. Another Colombian, Adriana Maria Quiroz Zapata, is also still in Congo despite a federal judge’s directive for her return to the U.S. She was sent to Congo against the nation’s will as they couldn’t accommodate her medical requirements.

Earlier this week, four Peruvians and three Colombians managed to return home with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This U.N.-affiliated agency facilitated their journey via the Assisted Voluntary Return program. This program covers travel costs and logistics for migrants willing to return voluntarily, offering an alternative to forced deportation.

The U.S. federal courts granted these migrants protection against deportation, given the likelihood of facing danger back home. David expressed concern, suggesting that the return was due to a lack of viable options for these individuals.

The IOM maintains that their voluntary return programs rely on free, informed consent. Meanwhile, a Colombian man also independently returned to his home country.

The Congolese government labeled this mechanism as transitional and temporary. They announced upcoming departures as per the existing agreements.

Coinciding with these developments, human rights lawyers have filed a case against Equatorial Guinea, alleging they violated the rights of deportees by forcing them back to their home countries.

Saleh Mwanamilongo from Associated Press in Bonn, Germany contributed to this report.