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Chinese Human Rights Activist Faces Uncertain Future in U.S. Deportation Proceedings
Guan Heng, a 38-year-old Chinese activist who exposed human rights abuses in his homeland, faces a pivotal court hearing Monday that will determine whether he can remain in the United States or face deportation to a country where he fears persecution.
“I would be prosecuted, I would be jailed, I would be tortured. All of that could happen,” Guan told The Associated Press in a recent call from the Broome County Correctional Facility in New York, where he has been detained since August.
Guan sought asylum in the U.S. after fleeing China more than four years ago to publish video footage of detention facilities in Xinjiang region. His case has attracted attention from lawmakers and human rights advocates concerned about his fate.
The Department of Homeland Security initially sought to deport Guan to Uganda but abandoned that plan in December after his situation gained public attention and congressional scrutiny. Despite this reprieve, his immigration status remains unresolved.
Guan’s detention occurred during what he described as a chance encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents targeting his housemates near Albany. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin characterized the situation differently, stating ICE encountered Guan while assisting the FBI with a criminal search warrant, describing him as “an illegal alien from China” who entered the U.S. unlawfully.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, has urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to release Guan and approve his asylum request, emphasizing America’s “long-standing commitment to protecting human rights whistleblowers.”
Guan’s case unfolds against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation policies. According to data from Mobile Pathways, a nonprofit that assists immigrants, approximately 170,626 asylum seekers were ordered deported in 2025, representing about one-third of all deportation orders issued last year.
Experts note troubling trends in asylum processing. Kathleen Bush-Joseph of the Migration Policy Institute pointed to a concerted effort to remove asylum seekers rather than allowing them to remain while their cases are pending. Data also shows 31% of asylum applications were abandoned in 2025, up from 11% in previous years.
In cities nationwide, immigrants have increasingly skipped routine hearings after ICE began making arrests in courtrooms, effectively turning judicial proceedings into deportation traps, according to immigration advocates.
“We are very worried about the number of asylum seekers that will be sent back to extremely dangerous conditions,” said Vanessa Dojaquez-Torres of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “It’s worrying to see that an institution like asylum is being so eroded.”
Guan’s journey to the United States began in 2020 when he secretly filmed detention facilities in Xinjiang, contributing to evidence of what human rights organizations describe as widespread abuses against ethnic minorities, particularly Uyghurs. The Chinese government has consistently denied these allegations, characterizing its facilities as vocational training programs.
After gathering his evidence, Guan fled first to Hong Kong without a detailed plan. “I played it by ear,” he said. From there, he traveled to Ecuador, then the Bahamas, before sailing to Florida in October 2021. By the time he arrived, he had released most of his video footage on YouTube.
In the U.S., Guan settled in Queens, New York, working as an Uber driver and delivery person once he received a work permit. He cut off contact with most relatives in China to protect them from police harassment.
Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, defended China’s policies while stating he was unfamiliar with Guan’s specific case. “The Chinese government has consistently worked to promote and protect human rights, and the development and progress in Xinjiang are plain to see and should not be smeared,” Liu said in a statement.
Despite his current detention, Guan expressed understanding of the political dynamics behind immigration policy changes, viewing them as “normal” fluctuations in a democratic society. He noted that he has received support from local residents and has “felt the warmth of U.S. society.”
If released, Guan hopes to remain in the United States and contribute positively. “I would like to do meaningful things,” he said. “I hope to establish some connections with others so that I can help others.”
As Monday’s hearing approaches, Guan’s case highlights the increasingly precarious situation faced by asylum seekers in the United States, particularly those fleeing political persecution in countries with documented human rights concerns.
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10 Comments
This case raises complex questions about the balance between national security, immigration enforcement, and protecting human rights defenders. I hope the authorities can find a just resolution that upholds the principles of asylum and non-refoulement.
Well stated. Guan’s case underscores the need for asylum policies that are both firm and fair, prioritizing the safety of those fleeing persecution over narrow enforcement concerns.
It’s troubling to see the US government initially attempt to deport Guan to a third country, rather than properly assess his asylum claim. Activists who risk their lives to expose abuses should be granted safe haven, not threatened with deportation.
You make a good point. The government’s initial plan to deport him to Uganda raises concerns about the integrity of the asylum process. Guan deserves a fair hearing that prioritizes his safety and human rights.
Guan’s case illustrates the difficult position faced by many Chinese dissidents seeking refuge abroad. I hope the upcoming court hearing leads to a resolution that protects his fundamental rights and freedoms.
Absolutely. The outcome of this case will set an important precedent for how the US handles asylum claims from activists fleeing human rights abuses in China and other authoritarian states.
It’s commendable that Guan risked so much to expose abuses in Xinjiang. His bravery deserves recognition and support, not the threat of deportation. I hope the US authorities take his safety and asylum claim seriously.
Agreed, Guan’s actions demonstrate tremendous personal courage. The US should uphold its commitment to human rights by granting him asylum and protecting him from potential retaliation in China.
This is a concerning case that highlights the challenges faced by activists and dissidents seeking asylum. I hope the US authorities carefully consider the risks Guan would face if deported to China, given his history of exposing human rights abuses.
Agreed, the details of his case suggest he could face serious persecution if returned to China. Asylum protections should be upheld to safeguard individuals who courageously speak out against injustice.