Man from Guinea Detained by ICE Outside Immigration Court, Faces Deportation

Detention Outside Immigration Court

• 📌 A man from Guinea was detained by federal agents outside of immigration court in lower Manhattan.
• 💔 His husband, Fitz Smith, expressed distress, stating they had recently married and were anticipating attending Pride events.

Fears of Persecution

• ⚠️ Smith fears for his husband's life if deported, citing reports of persecution against LGBT people in Guinea, including stoning and burning.
• ⚖️ Same-sex marriage is illegal in Guinea, while it is legal in 38 other countries, according to the Human Rights Campaign.
• 🏃 Madu fled Guinea in 2023 after his family discovered he was gay and sought asylum in the US, where he was initially encountered by Border Patrol in Arizona.

Legal Case and Expedited Removal

• 👨‍⚖️ The judge dismissed Madu's case, which, according to Smith, led to his eligibility for expedited removal.
• 🏛️ The Trump administration's immigration policies have reportedly led to increased ICE arrests outside of immigration courts.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Attorneys emphasize the importance of seeking legal advice and utilizing virtual hearings when available, though a responsive lawyer is crucial.

Current Status and DHS Response

• ✈️ Madu is currently being held at an ICE facility in Texas, with his husband actively working to prevent his deportation.
• 📰 CBS News reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for a statement on the case but had not yet received a response.