Fifteen individuals, reportedly from South America and deported from the United States, have arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This marks the first contingent of an undisclosed number of people that the U.S. has expelled, with the DR Congo agreeing to receive them.
The Kinshasa government has emphasized that their stay in the country is strictly temporary, and Washington is providing funding for “their reception, support, and care.” The U.S. has previously sent deportees to various other African nations, such as Ghana, South Sudan, and Eswatini, as part of its broader immigration enforcement efforts.
Commitment to Human Dignity and Migrant Rights
Earlier this month, upon the initial emergence of details regarding the deportation agreement, the Congolese government stated that its decision to accept what are termed “third-country migrants” – individuals originating from neither the sending nor the receiving nation – aligns with its dedication to human dignity, the protection of migrant rights, and international solidarity. Congolese authorities further clarified that this scheme is not intended as a “permanent relocation mechanism or an outsourcing of migration policies.”
The U.S. State Department, while refraining from commenting on “diplomatic communications with other governments,” affirmed the administration’s “unwavering” commitment to “end illegal and mass immigration and bolster America’s border security.” The U.S. has deported dozens of individuals to third countries since President Donald Trump assumed office, reflecting its stringent approach to immigration.
Details of the Deportees and Costs
A Congolese government statement issued on Friday confirmed that “The individuals concerned are admitted to the national territory under short-stay permits, in accordance with national legislation concerning the entry and residence of foreigners,” without providing further details about the deportees. However, a source at N’djili International Airport, where the group arrived in the early hours of Friday, informed the BBC that the deportees were predominantly Colombians and Peruvians.
A minority report from the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Foreign Relations suggests that the Trump administration has “likely” expended over $40 million (£30 million) on third-country deportations up to January 2026, though the comprehensive cost remains “unknown.” The report also noted that the U.S. has directly provided more than $32 million to five specific countries: Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Eswatini, and Palau.
Broader US Engagement in DR Congo
Separately, the U.S. is engaged in negotiations for a minerals deal with the DR Congo, aiming to secure access to the Central African nation’s extensive reserves of critical metals like cobalt, tantalum, lithium, and copper.
During the Trump administration, the U.S. facilitated a peace agreement between the DR Congo and Rwanda, though its implementation continues to face challenges. Following a recent round of discussions between the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, both factions, who have been engaged in conflict in eastern DR Congo, have committed to allowing humanitarian aid, protecting civilians and their infrastructure, and initiating monitoring of a permanent ceasefire. Delegates at the U.S. and Qatar-mediated negotiations in Switzerland expressed encouragement regarding the progress made towards resolving the conflict. Rwanda has consistently denied supporting the M23, despite substantial evidence, asserting that its military presence serves as a defensive measure against security threats posed by armed groups within the DR Congo.
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