The Democratic Republic of Congo received 15 migrants expelled from the United States on the night of Thursday, April 16, into Friday, April 17, 2026, according to a source close to the country’s presidency. The group includes seven Peruvian nationals, as confirmed by Congolese officials.
The expulsions mark the first contingent transferred to Congo under a controversial U.S. Program designed to send irregular migrants to third countries, many in Africa, in exchange for financial or logistical support from Washington. The individuals were handed over to Congolese authorities upon arrival.
Peru’s foreign ministry confirmed the transfer of its seven citizens, stating they were moved from U.S. Custody to the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the deportation process. The ministry did not disclose further details about their legal status or the circumstances leading to their removal.
Congolese officials described the initiative as a temporary reception mechanism, emphasizing that it does not constitute a permanent relocation policy or an externalization of U.S. Immigration strategy. They reiterated that the logistical and technical management of the operation is fully handled by U.S. Specialized agencies, with no financial burden on the Congolese government.
The development underscores expanding international cooperation in migration enforcement, as the United States seeks alternative destinations for deportations amid tightening domestic policies. Similar agreements have been reached with at least seven other African nations under the current administration.
