First US deportees arrive in Congo under deal

The first migrants deported from the United States under a recent bilateral agreement arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital early on Friday, April 17, 2026. The arrival was confirmed by one of the migrants, a lawyer in contact with the group, and two airport sources. This marks the initial implementation of a deportation pact between the U.S. and Congo, signaling a new phase in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies. The agreement is part of broader U.S. efforts to manage migrant returns and secure cooperation from origin countries.