José Yugal Cruz Temporarily Released Amid International Health Crisis
José Yugal Cruz, a South American national, has been temporarily released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. His lawyer confirmed on Friday that Cruz had sent money to the Democratic Republic of Congo as he awaits further developments regarding his immigration status.
Background on Detention and Legal Proceedings
Cruz was initially detained after crossing the U.S. border in July 2024. Six months later, an immigration judge determined that his return to his home country could expose him to torture, effectively preventing his deportation. However, ICE continued to hold him until late December 2025, when a federal judge deemed his detention illegal. Cruz was subsequently arrested again in April after the Congolese government accepted his repatriation.
Health Emergencies Exacerbate Situation
On May 17, as Cruz remained incarcerated in an Iowa facility, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a significant outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fever in Congo and Uganda. By midweek, there were over 1,000 suspected or confirmed cases and more than 240 deaths attributed to the outbreak, amplifying concerns about his planned deportation.
Advocacy Against Deportation to Congo
Prior to the Ebola outbreak, despite community protests in Minnesota and Iowa, the Department of Homeland Security made no moves to stop Cruz’s potential deportation to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Advocates argued for his relocation to a safer country, citing fears for his well-being as a torture victim.
Lack of Clarity from Immigration Authorities
ICE did not respond to requests for comments regarding Cruz’s release or the criteria used for deportations to the Democratic Republic of Congo during the ongoing health crisis. In an incident earlier this year, fifteen South Americans were deported to Congo and placed in a hotel near Kinshasa, with reports indicating they had to choose between returning home or shouldering their living expenses while staying in Congo.
Wider Context of U.S. Deportation Policies
Cruz’s situation highlights a broader strategy implemented by the Trump administration, which sought to deport migrants to third-party nations rather than their countries of origin. Agreements have been established with over 30 countries to accept U.S. deportees; however, the majority are still being sent back to Mexico. Critics, including immigration policy experts, deem these practices as tools of intimidation designed to discourage asylum seekers.
Community Response and Ongoing Advocacy
Cruz’s detention sparked considerable local support in Iowa, where advocates rallied, wrote letters, and protested in front of the Linn County Courthouse urging an end to his deportation. Although his lawyer has remained tight-lipped following his release, Cruz expressed gratitude to his supporters and emphasized that the struggle for justice and humane treatment continues. He previously indicated feeling dehumanized during his detention, comparing the experience to being treated as if he held no value.
