In an encouraging turn of events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided to cease deportation efforts against Guan Heng, a Chinese national whose unlawful entry into the U.S. sparked widespread concern over potential repercussions from Beijing for his activism against human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Activists Rayhan Asat and Zhou Fengsuo, both involved in advocating for Guan’s case, confirmed the withdrawal of the deportation order on Monday.
Asat mentioned that Guan's attorney received the letter from DHS, which now allows Guan’s asylum case to proceed without the immediate threat of deportation to China, where he could face severe punishment. Guan, 38, is currently being held at an ICE detention center in New York as his legal team works to secure his release on bond.
Guan's plight has garnered significant public and congressional support, particularly after it was revealed that he had filmed disturbing footage of detention facilities in Xinjiang in 2020, exposing the mistreatment of up to one million ethnic minorities, particularly Uyghurs. Beijing has consistently denied allegations of human rights violations, framing its actions in Xinjiang as necessary for counter-terrorism and vocational training.
After leaving China, Guan navigated through Hong Kong to Ecuador and subsequently made his way to the U.S., making a perilous sea journey across nearly 23 hours to reach Florida. Once in the U.S., he shared his footage online, contributing to global awareness of the human rights crisis in Xinjiang.
In recent weeks, many members of Congress have voiced their support for Guan, urging DHS to afford him the protection he deserves. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasized the moral obligation of the U.S. to stand with those persecuted for human rights activism.
As Guan's asylum case unfolds, advocates are hopeful that he will be granted safe haven, reflecting broader support for whistleblowers and human rights defenders facing retaliation for speaking out against oppression.
