The Trump administration has temporarily paused the removal of detainees to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid a worsening Ebola outbreak, according to Politico. However, experts argue the move does little to prevent the disease's spread and leaves at least one woman in legal limbo.
Woman Stranded in Kinshasa
Adriana Zapata, 55, a Colombian national who fled to the US, was deported to Kinshasa over a month ago despite the DRC stating it could not meet her complex medical needs. A US judge ordered her return, but officials now cite the Ebola travel ban as grounds for refusal. “I’m just really worried about losing her,” said Zapata’s lawyer Lauren O’Neal. “I don’t want her to die before we can get her back.”
Legal and Health Concerns
Anonymous officials told Politico that the pause is partly motivated by legal fears—that deporting people to an outbreak zone could be used in immigrants’ defense. “By the government’s own logic, if it is not safe for people to come from there to here, it is equally unsafe to send people there,” said Jeremy Konyndyk of Refugees International. The US has also banned travelers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
At least 37 people have been moved to affected countries in recent months, per independent journalist Gillian Brockell. She suspects the travel ban is being used as an excuse not to return Zapata, noting that the US has previously evacuated people from Ebola zones, including active patients. “The Trump administration could absolutely return Adriana Zapata to the US; telling the judge it can’t be done just isn’t true,” Brockell said.
International Law Risks
Sending immigrants against their will to third countries may violate international law, said immigration lawyer Camille Mackler. “Basically, the US can’t send people back to where they will be persecuted, so we’re exporting our immigration enforcement.” Experts estimate 8,000 to 15,000 people have been flown to third countries. If the outbreak expands, detainees in affected areas could fall ill and carry the virus to South and Central America, where health systems are less prepared.
CDC Screening Measures
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has implemented screening for passengers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, diverting all flights to Washington-Dulles. “The US is putting in place travel measures to limit risk,” said CDC’s Satish Pillai. Alexandra Phelan of Johns Hopkins said bringing Zapata back under the same health protocols as returning citizens is the “proper and equitable process.”
Refugees International’s Yael Schacher called for restoring health funding, designating temporary protected status for affected countries, and halting all deportation flights to the region. The Department of Homeland Security stated it follows health guidelines but did not comment on Zapata’s case.
