Full Breakdown
Detention of Ugandan Asylum Seeker Steven Tendo Sparks Outcry in Vermont
2/6/2026, 1:48:31 AM
Overview of Steven Tendo's Detention
Steven Tendo, a Ugandan asylum seeker and community member in Vermont, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on February 1, 2026, outside a health care facility in Shelburne, Vermont. Tendo, who has lived in the U.S. since 2018, was apprehended shortly before a scheduled check-in with ICE, raising concerns among advocates and supporters about the implications of his detention.
Background on Tendo's Asylum Case
Tendo fled Uganda in 2018 after suffering severe persecution, including torture and the murder of family members due to his political activism against the Ugandan government. His asylum application was denied in 2019, citing inconsistencies in his story, which he disputes. Despite this, he had been allowed to remain in the U.S. under a stay of removal, requiring him to report to ICE regularly. His legal team had been actively pursuing appeals to prevent his deportation, arguing that returning him to Uganda would be tantamount to a death sentence.
Community Support and Advocacy
Tendo's detention has sparked significant backlash from local advocates and political leaders. Vermont's congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint, expressed their horror at his detention, emphasizing that individuals like Tendo are precisely who the asylum system is designed to protect. Will Lambek, an organizer with Migrant Justice, described the detention as shocking and indicative of broader immigration enforcement issues in the state.
Legal Developments and Immediate Actions
Following Tendo's detention, his attorney, Brett Stokes, indicated that ICE had communicated intentions to enact a final order of removal. Legal representatives quickly filed a habeas corpus petition and an emergency temporary restraining order to prevent his transfer while litigation was underway. Tendo's case has drawn attention not only for its humanitarian implications but also for the procedural concerns surrounding his detention without prior notice.
Criticism of ICE's Actions
Critics of ICE's actions, including community leaders and fellow advocates, have condemned the agency's approach, labeling it as a form of intimidation against immigrant communities. Melissa Battah, executive director of Vermont Interfaith Action, criticized the timing of Tendo's detention, arguing that it instills fear within the community and undermines trust in governmental institutions. Jacob Berkowitz, president of the UVMMC Support Staff United union, highlighted Tendo's contributions to the community, asserting that he embodies the values of service and support that should be welcomed in the U.S.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Deporting me back to my country would be a death sentence,” — Steven Tendo
- “It’s completely unforeseen, completely shocking, and outrageous that he would be detained,” — Will Lambek, Organizer, Migrant Justice
- “People like Pastor Tendo are exactly who our asylum system is meant to protect.” — Vermont Congressional Delegation
What's Next
As Tendo's legal team continues to fight for his release, community support remains strong, with rallies and demonstrations planned to advocate for his return to Vermont. The outcome of his case may have broader implications for immigration policy and the treatment of asylum seekers in the U.S.
