DR Congo Welcomes First Group of Deportees from the US

Sat Apr 18 2026 12:14:30 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Fifteen individuals deported from the US, primarily from South America, have arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of a broader immigration enforcement initiative.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has accepted its first set of deportees from the United States, comprising fifteen individuals, reportedly from South America. Their stay in the DR Congo is temporary, with assurances that Washington is providing support and care for them. This move is part of a more extensive effort by the US administration to enforce stricter immigration policies, including similar actions in other African nations. The Congolese government has emphasized that this arrangement aligns with its commitment to human dignity and international solidarity regarding migrant rights.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has received its first group of deported individuals from the United States, marking a significant step in a new immigration enforcement initiative. The group, consisting of fifteen people primarily from South America, arrived at N'djili International Airport in Kinshasa.

This initial batch of deportees is part of an undisclosed larger group that the Congolese government agreed to accept. The DR Congo has emphasized that the stay of these individuals in the country is temporary, underlining that the US government is funding their reception, support, and care during this period.

As part of a more extensive crackdown on immigration, the US has previously sent deportees to several other African nations, including Ghana, South Sudan, and Eswatini. This latest development aligns with the US administration's commitment to end illegal and mass immigration and reinforce border security.

Details surrounding the agreement first emerged earlier this month. The Congolese authorities stated that receiving these third-country migrants reflects their commitment to human dignity, migrant rights, and international solidarity. They also clarified that the initiative is not meant to serve as a permanent relocation solution or an outsourcing of US migration policies.

According to a Congolese government statement, the individuals are admitted under short-stay permits in compliance with national laws regarding the entry and residence of foreigners. Reports from N'djili International Airport suggest that many of the deportees are Colombian and Peruvian nationals.

Furthermore, the Trump administration is believed to have spent over $40 million on deportations to third countries up to January 2026 while negotiating various agreements, including access to DR Congo's mineral wealth.

The US government has praised this cooperation, considering it part of a broader diplomatic strategy, which also includes peace negotiations between the DR Congo and neighboring Rwanda, with efforts to stabilize the region ongoing.