Guan Heng, 38, who filmed alleged detention sites in Xinjiang, faces possible deportation from the United States after an ICE detention in August. A judge may order his transfer to Uganda as part of asylum processing — a step his lawyer intends to contest amid fears it could lead to his return to China. Human rights groups warn Guan would likely face persecution if sent home, and relatives in China have reportedly been questioned since he published the video.
Chinese Filmmaker Who Documented Alleged Uyghur Camps Faces Possible Deportation From US
Guan Heng's supporters told AFP that he was detained this year after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU)(CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP/AFP)
Guan Heng, a 38-year-old Chinese national who filmed locations in Xinjiang linked to alleged detention centers for Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, now faces possible removal from the United States after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in August.
Guan attended an immigration hearing in New York on Monday. His attorney, Chen Chuangchuang, said the judge set a follow-up hearing for January. Authorities are reportedly considering transferring Guan to Uganda as part of his asylum processing because Uganda has agreed to accept people deported from the United States. Chen has vowed to contest any such transfer, arguing that from Uganda Guan could still be returned to China.
The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission warned on X that Guan "would likely be persecuted" if returned to China and urged that he "be given every opportunity to remain in a place of refuge." Supporters say Guan is being held at a Broome County detention facility in upstate New York and that his name appears on an ICE detainee list.
In late 2021, Guan published a 20-minute video documenting his travels around the northwestern Xinjiang region, visiting sites identified by a BuzzFeed investigation as detention facilities or likely locations for such centers. Beijing strongly denies allegations that it has detained more than a million Uyghurs and other Muslims, saying its policies in Xinjiang are aimed at combating extremism and promoting economic development.
Guan left China after recording the footage and later entered the United States following travels through South America. His mother, Luo Yun, told AFP she is "very, very worried" about his safety if he is forced to return to China. She said relatives who remain in mainland China were questioned by authorities about their connection to Guan after the video was published.
What’s next: A judge will consider the Uganda transfer option and Guan's asylum claim at his next hearing. His lawyer plans to challenge any effort to route him through Uganda on the grounds it could expose him to being returned to China and facing persecution.
"I just want my child to be well. He's still young, and has a long life ahead," Guan's mother said.
