A US immigration judge has granted asylum to Guan Heng, a Chinese man fearing persecution for exposing alleged human rights abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Guan arrived in the US illegally in 2021 and has been detained since an immigration sweep in August 2023. The Department of Homeland Security initially planned to deport Guan to Uganda but stopped after his case drew public attention and concern in Washington. Judge Charles Ouslander ruled that Guan's fear of retaliation in China is "well founded" and described him as a credible witness. Guan secretly filmed detention centers in Xinjiang in 2020, revealing evidence of abuses against ethnic minorities. He said he left China to ensure the footage would be seen, traveling through Hong Kong, Ecuador, and the Bahamas before reaching Florida by boat. Guan told the court, "I sympathised with the Uyghurs who were persecuted." After releasing the videos, Chinese police questioned his father multiple times. The Chinese government denies abuse allegations, calling their programs vocational training to fight extremism. Guan's lawyer Chen Chuangchuang called the case a "textbook example of why asylum should exist," urging the US to honor its "moral and legal responsibility." Though granted asylum, Guan remains detained while DHS considers an appeal, with 30 days to act. The judge urged a quick decision, noting Guan has been detained for five months. The case marks a rare successful asylum ruling under the current US administration, with approval rates dropping to 10% in 2025 from 28% over the previous decade.