DHS Withdraws Deportation Plan for Chinese Activist

Tue Dec 23 2025 10:06:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Guan Heng, a human rights advocate who exposed abuses in China's Xinjiang region, is no longer facing deportation after advocacy from rights groups and rising public concern.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has decided not to deport Guan Heng, a Chinese national who illegally entered the U.S. after revealing disturbing conditions in Xinjiang detention camps. Activists and lawmakers raised concerns that his deportation would result in persecution in China. His asylum case is now expected to move forward positively as he continues to seek safety.

In a significant development, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has halted its plans to deport Guan Heng, a Chinese national and human rights activist, sparking relief among advocates and lawmakers. Guan became known for filming the infamous detention facilities in Xinjiang, where many believe numerous human rights abuses occur against Uyghur minorities.

Following widespread concerns about Guan’s potential deportation, which activists feared could lead to serious repercussions from Beijing, his lawyer received confirmation from DHS regarding this decision on Monday. Rayhan Asat, a human rights attorney, expressed optimism that Guan’s asylum case will now proceed smoothly.

The situation gained traction among U.S. lawmakers, who emphasized the moral responsibility to protect individuals like Guan, who risk their lives to expose human rights violations. Guan fled China, refusing to stay silent about the injustices in Xinjiang, and traveled across various countries before reaching the U.S. Currently, Guan remains in a detention facility in New York while seeking asylum.

Public pressure and advocacy have swelled around his case in recent weeks, highlighting a growing awareness of human rights issues and the need for safe havens for whistleblowers.