Colombians deported by the U.S. to Congo seek protection in Spain

Three Colombians deported by the U.S. to the Democratic Republic of the Congo under the Trump administration have reached Spain and are seeking international protection, citing fears for their safety if returned to Colombia. The group, including Lorena López, Carlos Rodelo, and Daniela, held U.S. protection under the UN Convention Against Torture, which barred return to Colombia but not transfer to a third country. They were among 15 people sent to Kinshasa in April 2026, where they faced confinement, power cuts, and disease before fleeing to Spain. In Spain, they face a difficult asylum process, with only 3% of Colombian applications approved in 2025. The U.S. policy has been ruled illegal by a federal appeals court, but the administration has appealed to the Supreme Court.