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U.S. Halts Deportation of Chinese Whistleblower Who Documented Xinjiang Detention Camps
The Department of Homeland Security has abandoned plans to deport a Chinese national who entered the United States illegally after his case gained widespread attention from human rights advocates and lawmakers, according to activists familiar with the situation.
Guan Heng, 38, who risked his life to document alleged human rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang region, will now have his asylum case proceed through normal channels, according to Rayhan Asat, a human rights lawyer assisting with his case.
“DHS has sent a letter to Guan’s lawyer indicating the withdrawal of its request to deport him to Uganda,” Asat said. “We now expect his asylum case to proceed smoothly and favorably.”
Zhou Fengsuo, executive director of the advocacy group Human Rights in China, also confirmed the administration’s decision. “We’re really happy,” Zhou said. Guan’s legal team is now working to secure his release on bond from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in New York, where he remains in custody.
Guan’s journey to the United States began in 2020 when he secretly filmed detention facilities in Xinjiang. Human rights organizations have alleged that these facilities have been used to detain up to one million people from ethnic minority groups, particularly Uyghurs. Beijing has consistently denied these allegations, characterizing the facilities as vocational training centers aimed at countering extremism and teaching employable skills.
Understanding the dangers of releasing such sensitive footage while in China, Guan fled the mainland in 2021, first traveling to Hong Kong and then to Ecuador, which at that time did not require visas for Chinese nationals. From there, he made his way to the Bahamas, where he purchased a small inflatable boat and outboard motor before embarking on a perilous 23-hour journey across the sea to Florida.
After reaching U.S. soil, Guan’s video evidence was released on YouTube, providing what human rights advocates describe as crucial documentation of the situation in Xinjiang. His identity was subsequently exposed online, and Chinese authorities reportedly summoned his family for questioning, placing them under pressure.
Guan applied for asylum and attempted to build a quiet life in a small town near Albany, New York. However, in August, ICE agents detained him, initiating deportation proceedings that alarmed human rights advocates who feared he would face severe persecution if returned to China.
The case drew significant attention from U.S. lawmakers in recent weeks after human rights organizations publicized his situation. The bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission expressed strong support for Guan on social media, writing: “Guan Heng put himself at risk to document concentration camps in Xinjiang, part of the CCP’s genocide against Uyghurs. Now in the United States, he faces deportation to China, where he would likely be persecuted. He should be given every opportunity to stay in a place of refuge.”
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, the ranking Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urging Guan’s release and approval of his asylum request. Krishnamoorthi argued that the United States “has a moral responsibility to stand up for victims of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, as well as the brave individuals who take immense personal risks to expose these abuses to the world.”
The DHS decision represents a significant victory for human rights advocates who have long argued that the United States should protect whistleblowers who document alleged human rights violations abroad, particularly in countries with authoritarian regimes. Immigration experts note that asylum cases involving political dissidents often present complex challenges for U.S. authorities balancing immigration enforcement with humanitarian concerns.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to requests for comment on the decision.
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8 Comments
The decision to halt Guan’s deportation is a positive step, but more needs to be done to address the ongoing human rights crisis in Xinjiang. I hope this case raises awareness and leads to further investigations and action.
You raise a fair point. This is just one case, and the broader situation in Xinjiang remains deeply concerning. Continued international pressure and scrutiny will be essential to addressing the scale of alleged abuses.
It’s good to see the US government respond to the advocacy efforts and recognize the importance of protecting whistleblowers like Guan. This could set an important precedent for future cases.
This decision demonstrates the power of civil society and human rights groups in holding governments accountable. I hope it encourages more people to come forward and expose abuses, knowing they will be protected.
Absolutely. Shining a light on these issues through courageous whistleblowers is crucial. Safeguarding those who take such risks is the least we can do to support their efforts.
While I’m glad the US has backed down from deporting Guan, I’m curious to know more about the details and timeline of this case. What led to the change in decision, and how can we ensure similar protections for others in the future?
This is an important development in protecting whistleblowers who risk everything to expose human rights abuses. It sends a strong message that the US will stand up for those fighting for justice and accountability.
Agreed. Allowing Guan’s asylum case to proceed properly is the right thing to do. Protecting those who courageously speak out against atrocities is crucial for upholding human rights worldwide.