A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to bring back a Colombian woman to the United States after ruling that her deportation to the Democratic Republic of Congo was likely illegal.
The case involves Adriana Maria Quiroz Zapata, a 55-year-old Colombian woman who was deported despite Congo reportedly refusing to accept her because of serious medical conditions.
The decision marks a rare legal setback for the administration’s aggressive deportation policies and third-country removal program.
Judge Says Deportation Was Likely Illegal
U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon ruled Wednesday that immigration officials most likely violated federal law when they sent Zapata to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to court findings, Congolese authorities informed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that they could not properly care for Zapata because of her health issues, which include:
- Diabetes
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hypothyroidism
Despite that warning, officials reportedly deported her to Congo anyway.
In the ruling, Judge Leon stated that federal law only allows migrants to be deported to third countries if those countries agree to receive them.
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Migrant | Adriana Maria Quiroz Zapata |
| Age | 55 |
| Home Country | Colombia |
| Deportation Destination | Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Judge | Richard J. Leon |
| Main Issue | Alleged illegal deportation |
| Court Order | Return Zapata to U.S. |
Congo Reportedly Refused to Accept Her
According to documents referenced in reports, Congolese officials informed ICE that the country could not provide adequate medical treatment for Zapata’s conditions.
Even after that refusal, she was deported to the country along with other migrants.
Judge Leon ordered the Trump administration to provide updates by Friday regarding steps being taken to return Zapata to the United States.
Why Zapata Could Not Be Sent Back to Colombia
The case also involves concerns about human rights protections.
Earlier in 2025, an immigration judge ruled that Zapata could not legally be deported back to Colombia because she would likely face torture there.
According to reports, Zapata said she fled Colombia after suffering repeated abuse and sexual violence from a former partner allegedly connected to the national police.
Because of those dangers, U.S. immigration courts previously blocked her removal to her home country.
Zapata Says She Feared for Her Safety in Congo
In interviews reported by media outlets, Zapata described living in fear while being held at a hotel outside Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
She reportedly said:
- She stayed inside her room constantly
- She felt unsafe
- She feared being sent back to Colombia
Her attorney, Lauren O’Neal, also claimed Congolese officials pressured deported migrants to sign legal documents that could affect their rights and possible return to Colombia.
Trump Administration Expanding Third-Country Deportations
The case highlights the Trump administration’s increasing use of third-country deportation agreements.
These agreements involve deporting migrants to countries other than their homeland when returning them directly could violate international protections against torture or persecution.
Critics argue the practice raises serious legal and humanitarian concerns, especially when migrants are sent to countries where they have no family, legal status, or support systems.
Supporters of stricter immigration policies argue such agreements help remove migrants who cannot remain in the United States.
Judge Also Referenced Another Deportation Dispute
Judge Leon’s ruling also mentioned the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident whose deportation battle has drawn national attention.
Garcia was reportedly deported to El Salvador by mistake, and his legal case continues amid concerns about possible removal to African countries where he has no ties.
Another federal judge recently criticized the administration over threats involving deportation destinations unrelated to migrants’ backgrounds.
Immigration Policies Face Growing Legal Challenges
The ruling adds to a growing number of court challenges involving immigration enforcement and deportation procedures under the Trump administration.
Immigration attorneys and human rights groups continue arguing that some deportation policies may violate federal law and international protections.
At the same time, administration officials maintain that expanded deportation efforts are necessary for border security and immigration enforcement.
As the legal battle continues, Zapata’s case is likely to remain a closely watched example of the ongoing debate over U.S. immigration policy and third-country deportations.
