ICE temporarily releases South American man it had planned to deport to Congo amid Ebola outbreak

ICE Temporarily Releases South American Man Amid Ebola Outbreak

Deportation Halts as Health Crisis Escalates

ICE temporarily releases South American man it - On May 17, 2025, ICE temporarily released a South American national who had been set for deportation to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This action followed a WHO declaration of a global health emergency due to the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda. The virus has claimed over 240 lives and infected more than 1,000 people in the DRC as of Wednesday, prompting ICE to reassess its plans for Yugar-Cruz's removal. The decision came as the agency prioritized health safety in the face of the growing epidemic.

Jose Yugar-Cruz, a South American detainee in Iowa, had been held for six months awaiting deportation since his arrest in July 2024. An immigration judge ordered his release in early December 2025, citing a high risk of torture in the DRC. However, he was re-arrested in April 2025 when the country agreed to accept him. His legal team highlighted the lack of a formal pause in deportations to the DRC, despite rising concerns in Minnesota and Iowa. The temporary release underscores the intersection of immigration policy and public health priorities.

Deportation Strategy Reexamined

ICE's move to delay Yugar-Cruz’s deportation reflects the agency's reliance on third-country removal programs amid the Ebola crisis. Previously, ICE had sought to send Yugar-Cruz to Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Mexico, and Canada without success. His case now exemplifies a broader trend of using the DRC as a deportation destination, a practice that gained momentum during the Trump administration. As of mid-April 2025, 15 South Americans had been deported to the DRC, where they were placed in a Kinshasa-area hotel.

Community advocates in Iowa emphasized the risks associated with sending deportees to the DRC. Some individuals expressed fears of contracting Ebola, as the outbreak remains concentrated in northeastern Ituri Province, nearly 1,000 miles from Kinshasa. The United Nations' migration agency noted that deportees could either stay in the facility while arranging their return or choose to remain in Congo and cover their living expenses. This strategy has sparked debate over its effectiveness and ethical implications during public health emergencies.

Legal experts argue that the use of third-country deportation programs by ICE has become a key tool in expediting removals. A recent federal judge's ruling highlighted the legal complexities surrounding such agreements, as seen in the case of a Colombian woman sent to Congo. Congolese authorities initially refused her due to her health condition, raising questions about the reliability of these partnerships. Meanwhile, Yugar-Cruz's attorneys stress that the temporary release is part of a larger policy to manage deportations in light of the Ebola outbreak.

Policy Shift and Advocacy Response

The administration has increasingly utilized third-country deportation strategies to accelerate the removal of asylum seekers. By targeting nations like the DRC, ICE can bypass lengthy legal processes and reduce the backlog of cases. However, critics warn that this approach may pressure individuals into relinquishing their claims. "The policy aims to instill fear, leveraging the risks of deportation to influence decisions," said a spokesperson from the Third Country Deportation Watch. The group has documented agreements with over 33 countries, though Mexico remains the most common destination for deportees.

Yugar-Cruz’s case has drawn attention from local communities and advocacy groups. Residents in Iowa organized protests at the Linn County Courthouse, urging ICE to reconsider his removal. The case has also prompted discussions about the fairness of deporting individuals to regions with active outbreaks. While ICE’s temporary release offers immediate relief, the long-term implications of using health crises as a rationale for deportation remain under scrutiny. Yugar-Cruz expressed gratitude for the support he received, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy.