A federal judge has mandated that the Trump administration facilitate the return of Adriana María Quiroz Zapata, a Colombian woman who was deported to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) despite the country’s refusal to accept her. In a ruling on Wednesday, Judge Richard Leon deemed her deportation “likely illegal,” citing significant health risks associated with her forced relocation.
A Dangerous Deportation
Adriana María Quiroz Zapata, 55, has been grappling with serious health issues, including diabetes and a thyroid condition. According to the judge’s ruling, her deportation places her in a precarious situation, as the DRC lacks the necessary medical facilities to provide adequate care. The court highlighted that her relocation could lead to severe health complications, potentially culminating in death.
During her time in detention, Quiroz Zapata experienced alarming physical changes, including black spots on her skin and severe peeling, as detailed in a declaration submitted to the court. “She’s not doing well and does worry that she’s going to die,” expressed her attorney, Lauren O’Neal, underscoring the gravity of her condition.
Life in Kinshasa
Since her deportation, Quiroz Zapata has been residing in a hotel in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC. Reports indicate that the hotel is heavily secured, and she, along with other deportees, is permitted to leave only under strict supervision. This confinement adds to her distress, as she faces not only uncertainty about her health but also the limitations imposed by her environment.
Quiroz Zapata entered the United States via Mexico in August 2024 and was subsequently placed in the custody of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Her case is emblematic of a broader issue, as many immigrants who were legally residing in the US found themselves abruptly subjected to deportation orders targeting them to countries where they often lack ties or support.
A Broader Context of Deportation Policies
The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies have led to the issuance of over 15,000 deportation orders for third-country nationals, as part of an effort to expedite expulsions. Advocacy organisations have voiced concerns regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the agreements made with various nations, including Ecuador, Honduras, Uganda, Cameroon, and the DRC, to accept these deportees. Despite the high number of orders, only a small fraction has been executed, raising questions about the efficacy
