Ugandan Asylum Seeker Detained in Vermont Amid Deportation Fears

Fri Feb 06 2026 00:52:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Steven Tendo, a former Ugandan minister and nursing assistant seeking asylum in the U.S. since 2021, was detained by federal immigration agents, raising concerns over his safety and potential deportation back to Uganda.

Steven Tendo, who fled Uganda due to political persecution, was detained by ICE outside his workplace in Vermont, sparking fears of deportation. Tendo has previously faced brutal torture for his advocacy in Uganda, and local leaders and advocates are rallying for his release. Despite a denied asylum application, Tendo was allowed to live freely in Vermont for years until this recent detainment.

Steven Tendo, a Ugandan minister and nursing assistant who relocated to Vermont in 2021 while seeking asylum, was detained by federal immigration agents this past Wednesday morning, according to advocacy group Migrant Justice and his union, UVMMC Support Staff United.

Tendo was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside a healthcare facility where he is employed. Concerns were raised that his relatively routine check-in scheduled with ICE for the following Friday might have prompted his detention.

After his detention in Shelburne, Tendo was moved to an ICE facility in New Hampshire. His legal representatives and local advocates are now concerned about the risk of his deportation, though his attorneys are pursuing legal actions to secure his release.

'''Pastor Tendo fled persecution and torture in Uganda and has lived peacefully in Vermont for many years as a valued member of our community,” stated Vermont's state congressional delegation in a joint statement, highlighting their dismay regarding his situation.'

Tendo's asylum application was previously denied in 2019, based on alleged inconsistencies regarding his story. He has suffered severe consequences for his advocacy against the Ugandan government, including torture and physical harm. His supporters argue that he is at significant risk should he be deported back to Uganda, which he has referred to as a potential “death sentence.”

With expressions of solidarity from various local and national leaders, Tendo’s supporters rallied outside ICE facilities in St. Albans, urging the immediate release of Tendo and effective intervention in his legal proceedings.

The ongoing situation highlights broader issues of asylum rights and protections within the U.S., as several groups rally for Tendo's immediate release and advocate against his deportation.