The Trump administration has temporarily suspended deportation flights to the Democratic Republic of Congo over fears that Ebola exposure could endanger officials and increase public health risks.
The Trump administration has temporarily halted deportation flights to the Democratic Republic of the Congo amid an Ebola outbreak that has infected more than 600 people, officials said.
The suspension covers ICE removal flights and third-country deportations, where migrants are sent to nations that are not their home countries. Authorities said the pause is driven by concerns over possible exposure of officials and wider health risks.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said ICE follows all “applicable health and safety guidelines” during operations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “Objective number one is to make sure that Ebola never reaches the United States.”
The move comes after several recent deportation flights to Congo and other African nations, amid warnings from US health agencies and rising legal scrutiny over third-country removals and migrant conditions.
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