Guan Heng, a Chinese national who exposed human rights abuses in his homeland, has been released from federal detention more than five months after being swept up in the Trump administration’s mass immigration enforcement operation. Guan was released and reunited with his mother on Tuesday, nearly a week after being granted asylum by an immigration judge who determined that he faced a well-founded fear of persecution if sent back to China. “I’m in a great mood,” Guan, 38, told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “I didn’t feel the excitement yesterday. I felt I was still in prison, but today many friends have come to see me.” Guan, who is staying temporarily in Binghamton, New York, said he has not yet had time to think about what he will do in the longer term. His mother, Luo Yun, who traveled to the U.S. from her home in Taiwan to support her son, said she finally felt relieved. “For five and half months I didn’t sleep one good sleep, but today I feel assured,” Luo said. The Department of Homeland Security dropped a deportation plan to Uganda in December after public concern for Guan's plight. The situation highlights the complexity of asylum cases during the Trump administration and reflects ongoing debates around human rights and immigration policies.
Chinese Defector Guan Heng Released from Detention After Asylum Granted
Guan Heng, a Chinese national who exposed human rights abuses, has been released from detention after being granted asylum, raising hopes for more fair treatment of asylum seekers.
Guan Heng, a Chinese defector known for uncovering human rights abuses in Xinjiang, has been released from federal detention after being granted asylum by an immigration judge. His release comes after months of uncertainty and potential deportation. Guan expressed relief upon reuniting with his mother and highlighted his intentions to bear witness to the plight of the Uyghurs. Lawmakers, including Rep. Ro Khanna, emphasize the need for supporting those exposing human rights violations.
