Belarusian activist deported to Costa Rica, asylum plea ignored by Border Patrol
A 23-year-old Belarusian activist who fled political persecution was arrested at the border, had his phone with evidence confiscated, and was secretly flown to Costa Rica without being told his destination.
Apr 2026South TexasCountry of origin: Belarus
K, a 23-year-old man, fled Belarus after being stalked and threatened for participating in political rallies opposing the government. After the CBP One system was shut down and being extorted in Mexico, he crossed onto U.S. soil and walked toward a port of entry in South Texas, where Border Patrol arrested him and ignored his asylum request. His phone containing persecution evidence was confiscated and never returned. He was shackled and secretly flown to Costa Rica without being told the destination.
Tags
Sources
- Why the Trump administration is struggling to deport migrants to unfamiliar countries
CNN·Apr 12, 2026·archived copy
- Costa Rica Takes in Second Group of Deportees from the United States : The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate
The Tico Times·Apr 19, 2026·archived copy
- Costa Rica Says Deported Migrants May Seek Asylum Over Return Fears : The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate
The Tico Times·Apr 17, 2026·archived copy
Loading…
More incidents in Texas
- ICE agent points pistol at workers during Texas workplace raidOct 21, 2026 · Brownsville, TX
- Mother detained by ICE, leaving two young daughters alone in ConroeOct 21, 2026 · Conroe, TX
- Houston homebuilder fatally shot by ICE agent in case of mistaken identityOct 21, 2026 · Houston, TX
- Gerald A.: Shackled man alleges guards fractured his wrist and spineOct 17, 2026 · Fort Bliss, TX
- Samuel: 19-year-old Venezuelan man alleges officers broke his tooth and crushed his testiclesOct 17, 2026 · Fort Bliss, TX
- Abel: Cuban man says guards beat him when he refused transfer to MexicoOct 17, 2026 · Fort Bliss, TX