Whistleblower's Journey to the US
Guan Heng, a 38-year-old Chinese immigrant, is currently seeking asylum in the United States after gaining international attention for documenting alleged human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang region. In 2020, Guan covertly filmed detention facilities in Xinjiang, providing video evidence of what activists describe as internment camps. His footage subsequently featured in several United Nations and NGO reports on Uyghur abuses.
After gathering the footage, Guan fled China in 2021, traveling through Hong Kong, Ecuador, and the Bahamas before arriving in Florida by boat. He entered the United States legally on a visitor visa and subsequently filed for asylum. He published his videos on YouTube under the username 'guanguan'.
Detention and Deportation Threat
In August 2025, Guan was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York during an immigration operation. While some reports indicate the detention occurred during a workplace raid targeting identity-fraud suspects, others suggest ICE encountered him while assisting the FBI in a search targeting his housemates. He has since been held at the Broome County Correctional Facility in New York for approximately five months.
Despite his pending asylum application, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially proposed deporting Guan to Uganda through a 'third country removal' process. This plan sparked significant concern from human rights advocates and drew the attention of US lawmakers.
Congressional Intervention and Current Status
In December 2025, following bipartisan pressure from lawmakers, including US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, and human rights groups, DHS announced it had dropped its plan to deport Guan to Uganda. Representative Krishnamoorthi publicly advocated for Guan's asylum, emphasizing the 'grave danger' Guan would face if returned to China. Guan's lawyer, Chuangchuang Chen, confirmed that the deportation order to Uganda was dropped, though Guan's deportation case remains active.
An immigration judge in New York is currently considering Guan's appeal to remain in the United States. Guan's mother, Luo Yun, expressed profound worry, stating, 'I'm really, really worried that things will be very bad for him if he is made to return.' The Chinese government maintains that its facilities in Xinjiang are vocational training programs and denies allegations of abuses.
7 Comments
BuggaBoom
Grant him asylum immediately! His bravery is unmatched.
Loubianka
The threat of deportation to a third country was a serious misstep, yet it's also understandable that ICE has protocols for individuals who may have overstayed visas or are encountered during other operations. We need a clearer, more compassionate pathway for legitimate whistleblowers.
Katchuka
This man is a hero. We must protect him at all costs!
Noir Black
His story undeniably brings critical attention to Xinjiang, which is vital for global awareness. However, his travel path through multiple countries and eventual detention by ICE raises questions about the consistency and fairness of asylum applications for all individuals.
Loubianka
Finally, some bipartisan sense on this. Don't send him back!
Katchuka
Bipartisan support for Guan is a positive sign for human rights, indicating a shared concern for his safety. Still, the underlying issue of why he was detained in the first place, and the broader challenges of immigration enforcement, remain unresolved for many others.
Noir Black
ICE messed up big time. Support whistleblowers, don't detain them.