U.S. Deports 15 Migrants to Congo Under Secret Migration Deal

Kinshasa, DRC — The United States government deported 15 individuals from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru to the Democratic Republic of Congo on April 17, as part of a migration agreement with the Trump administration.

The deportees, who were unaware of their final destination until boarding the plane, are being housed in a hotel near Kinshasa's airport. They report receiving regular meals but intermittent water, and experiencing rodent and mosquito infestations. Two deportees stated they were not vaccinated against yellow fever, a disease endemic in Congo.

"We don't know what will happen to us."
— A Colombian woman among the deportees

Deportees' Statements

All five deportees interviewed by NPR, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they face danger in their home countries but wish to return because Congo is dangerous and poor. Several noted they had ongoing court cases regarding their right to remain in the U.S.

The deportees said they lack money and passports, and are unable to speak French, the official language of Congo. One Ecuadoran man compared the situation to human trafficking.

Background on the Migration Deal

Details of the U.S.-Congo migration agreement have not been made public. Congo's government stated on April 17 that migrants will stay temporarily, with the U.S. government covering costs. The number of arrivals and their duration remain unclear. The U.S. State Department declined to comment.

According to AfghanEvac, the Trump administration is also considering sending up to 1,100 Afghans to Congo, though President Trump said he was unaware of this plan.

Local Reaction

The arrival of deportees has sparked protests in Kinshasa, with demonstrators burning tires and carrying banners against hosting "Afghan mercenaries."

About one million Congolese citizens are refugees, and nearly seven million are internally displaced.

"What have the Congolese done to you that you would reduce this already devastated nation to a dumping ground for U.S. immigration and security policies?"
— Opposition politician Delly Sessanga, criticizing President Felix Tshisekedi