Deported South American Migrants in DRC Say They're Pressured to Return Despite Torture Risks

Fifteen South American migrants, deported to the Democratic Republic of Congo from the United States, report intense pressure to return to their home countries. This occurs despite documented safety concerns, including specific risks of torture for some individuals.

Fifteen South American migrants, recently deported from the United States to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), report significant pressure to return to their home nations. These individuals state that, since their arrival in the Central African country, they have been presented with limited, if any, credible alternatives to returning to their countries of origin. This pressure persists even when their home countries pose documented threats to their safety.

A 29-year-old Colombian woman within the deported group explicitly stated she feels compelled to agree to return to her home country, regardless of the risks. This sentiment reflects the broader situation reported by the migrants. A US immigration judge found in May 2025 that this specific woman would likely face torture if returned to her home country, highlighting a direct and judicially recognized danger. Such findings establish a legal recognition of personal risk.

Third-country deportations involve relocating immigrants from one nation, often a country of asylum application, to an unrelated third country. This third country typically has no prior connection to the individuals. These arrangements, implemented through bilateral agreements, can circumvent traditional asylum processes in the initial receiving country. Critics contend such removals aim to discourage asylum claims and pressure individuals into voluntary repatriation, even if it means returning to perilous circumstances. The unfamiliarity of the new environment, coupled with potential language barriers and the absence of established support networks, can severely limit a person’s ability to pursue legal protections or establish a new life.

The reported pressure on these fifteen individuals in the DRC raises questions about the scope of migrant protection and the implementation of international agreements. Their experiences illustrate a complex interplay between national immigration policies and individual safety. As these migrants navigate limited choices and uncertain futures in the DRC, the actions of involved governments and humanitarian organizations will shape their immediate and long-term well-being.