A Republican lawmaker is urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release Gregory Sanabria Tarazona, a Venezuelan activist currently in ICE custody after he was detained during a routine check-in despite having a pending asylum case in the United States.
Venezuelan Activist Targeted After Fleeing Torture
Sanabria, a political opponent of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, fled to the United States after being arbitrarily detained and tortured in Venezuela. Amnesty International says he was over three years in prison, including at El Helicoide, a place known for its human rights abuses.
The activist had previously participated in pro-democracy demonstrations against the Maduro regime. He sought asylum in the U.S. to escape what he described as political persecution. He was scheduled to appear at a preliminary asylum hearing on July 1, as reported by The Washington Post.
GOP Congressman Calls for Action
Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), a longtime advocate for political freedom in Latin America, publicly denounced the detention and wrote to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, calling for Sanabria’s immediate release.
The congressman’s move comes against a growing concern that the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement is endangering individuals who are fleeing persecution, especially those with recorded instances of torture and political imprisonment.
Amnesty International Calls for International Protection
Amnesty International has also lent its voice, requesting Sanabria be accorded international protection and that his right to seek asylum not be trampled upon. The organization emphasized the dangers he would face if deported, stating that returning him to Venezuela could be a violation of international human rights standards.
The organization believes that individuals like Gregory, who have suffered greatly for exercising their rights, should be protected—not punished.
Crackdown on Migrants and Activists Continues
Sanabria’s detention comes as ICE enforcement intensifies across the country. At the direction of the Trump administration, the agency launched a fresh wave of harsh raids on illegal immigrants and politically active migrants.
Recent arrests in Los Angeles at Home Depot chain stores, garment facilities, and warehouses have produced protests and set off alarms among immigrant communities.
The administration has also faced backlash for efforts to deport pro-Palestinian protesters who oppose U.S. support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of Sanabria’s case may serve as a test of how the U.S. treats asylum seekers fleeing authoritarian regimes. Legal analysts argue that the imprisonment of individuals with credible claims of persecution and torture undermines the fundamental values of the U.S. asylum system. With the July 1 hearing approaching, immigration attorneys and rights groups are mobilizing to support Sanabria’s attorneys. The case remains a cause celebre for those who promote human rights, authentic asylum safeguards, and compassionate immigration enforcement.
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