Iowa ICE detainee says he may be deported to Congo, a country he says he’s never lived in

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — An asylum seeker detained in Iowa is facing deportation to a country he says he has never lived in is speaking out from detention, as advocates rally in his support.

José Fernando Yugar Cruz, an asylum-seeker from Bolivia and member of Escucha Mi Voz Iowa, released an audio message this week describing his situation as he remains in custody. In the recording, he says he is at risk of being deported not to Bolivia, but to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Advocates say the case highlights a broader and controversial practice of deporting migrants to third countries where they may face danger.

A rally was held at noon Thursday outside the Linn County Correctional Center in Cedar Rapids.

Supporters say Yugar Cruz previously won protection from deportation to Bolivia under U.S. immigration law. He was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more than a year before a federal judge ordered his release, and he was freed in December, according to advocates.

They say he was re-detained April 8, days after the Trump administration announced a new agreement allowing deportations to the Congo. The country has faced armed conflict and a recent outbreak of yellow fever, according to public health officials.

In his message, Yugar Cruz said he fears being sent to the Congo and maintains he has committed no crimes. He described coming to the United States seeking protection and expressed gratitude to supporters who have advocated on his behalf.

“I only came to ask for protection,” he said in the recording, adding that he hopes to remain in the United States and regain his freedom.

Advocates say they are calling for his release and urging officials to halt the deportation.

Esucha Mi Voz community organizer Getsy Hernandez said, “”He came here seeking safety and protection. He was tortured in his home country of Bolivia So he can’t go back there and he just wanted to build a better life for himself and you know find his way here. He is like one of the most kindest people that you’ll ever meet such a good heart very compassionate always very giving.”

Iowa’s News Now has reached out to Immigrations Customs and Enforcement for a statement.