Steven Tendo, a Ugandan minister and nursing assistant who moved to Vermont in 2021 while seeking asylum, was detained in Shelburne on Wednesday morning by federal immigration agents, according to the union he’s a part of and the advocacy group Migrant Justice.
Tendo was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside the health care facility where he works, as confirmed by Will Lambek, an organizer with Migrant Justice. It is believed that other federal agencies may have been involved in the operation.
Following his detention, Tendo was transported to an ICE facility in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he is currently held at the Strafford County Jail, according to ICE records. Advocates have expressed significant concern about the possibility of his deportation.
Tendo’s legal representatives are exploring avenues to secure his release, as the timing of his detention coincides with a scheduled check-in with ICE set for Friday.
The union representing Tendo stated they were unaware of any unlawful activity on his part that led to the detention. It is noted that Shelburne health facility is his second job.
ICE has not commented on the reasons for Tendo's detention. His attorney was unavailable for comment at the time of the incident.
Tendo fled Uganda in 2018 after facing severe torture and persecution due to his political activism. He has previously recounted horrific experiences including physical assaults and life-threatening situations. Returning to Uganda is viewed by Tendo as a death sentence.
Support for Tendo has been mounting from various human rights organizations and political figures, including Vermont’s congressional delegation, who described his detention as an outrage.
Despite being granted permission to live and work in Vermont while his application for asylum underwent reviews, Tendo’s earlier attempts at litigation to prevent deportation were unsuccessful. Recent developments have led to renewed advocacy efforts on his behalf.
As of now, Tendo remains in custody amidst rising concerns for his safety and rights as an asylum seeker.
