Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo — April 23, 2026 A group of approximately 15 South American migrants, predominantly from Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, have found themselves in a precarious situation after being deported from the United States to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These deportees, who were previously seeking asylum in the U. S.
Are currently being held in a hotel near Kinshasa’s airport under strict surveillance and are forbidden from leaving the premises.
The situation is particularly challenging for the migrants, as several have reported health issues and a lack of medical attention. None of them speak French, the official language of the DRC, adding to their isolation and distress. This group of deportees arrived in the DRC under a controversial agreement between the U.
S. And the Congolese government, which agreed to accept non-Congolese nationals in exchange for logistical and technical support from the U. S.
The agreement, part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown that included sending undocumented non-citizens to third countries, has been criticized by rights advocates and lawyers.
The U. S. Has already sent deportees to other African countries, including Ghana, South Sudan, and Eswatini, as part of this initiative.
The Congolese government has emphasized that the stay of the deportees is temporary and aligns with its commitment to human dignity and protecting the rights of migrants.
However, the migrants themselves are expressing fear and uncertainty about their future. Gabriela, a 30-year-old Colombian, expressed her concerns to AFP, saying, “I didn’t want to go to Congo. I’m scared, I don’t know the language.”.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has offered “assisted voluntary return to migrants who request it, “but the migrants are reportedly facing pressure to return to their home countries, despite concerns for their safety.
The arrival of these deportees in the DRC has sparked a debate about the ethical implications of such agreements and the treatment of migrants. Critics argue that legal protection orders intended to shield deportees from being returned to their home countries were ignored in this case.
The Congolese government, however, maintains that the scheme is not a “permanent relocation mechanism or an outsourcing of migration policies.”.
As the situation unfolds, the fate of these South American migrants remains uncertain. With no clear path forward and limited resources at their disposal, they find themselves in a limbo, hoping for a resolution that respects their rights and well-being.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Estelle.Bronkhorst
