Per the policy of Third Country Removals, multiple individuals arrived in countries other than their country of origin. One group of fifteen individuals was sent to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to AP, the removed individuals are kept under surveillance in a hotel. Additionally, these individuals face the decision of staying in Congo or returning to their home country.
Background
The U.S. government issued third country removal notifications for more than twenty-four thousand people since January, 2025. However, only a small fraction of those were removed to a country other than their country of origin. This is mainly due to restrictions surrounding third country agreements. For example, Honduras only agreed to ten non-Honduran removals each month. Only sixty individuals were removed to Honduras as of April, 2026.
Implications of Court Decision
A federal judge ordered the U.S. government return one of these individuals to the U.S. on May 14, 2026. It’s uncertain whether the government will bring her back. Currently, eight countries in Africa have third country removal agreements with the United States.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.