HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Russian asylum seeker on hunger strike after months in Georgia ICE facility

Oct 12, 2026·Location: FL

Country of origin: Russia

Russian asylum seeker on hunger strike after months in Georgia ICE facility
Photo via NBC Chicago

Andrei Mikhailov, a Russian immigrant who fled with his wife Kseniia Volkova to escape danger after criticizing the Russian government and the war with Ukraine, has been held at Folkston ICE Processing Center in Georgia since being detained by Border Patrol while on vacation in Florida in February. His wife said he was on the seventh day of a hunger strike as of Monday and that his mental and physical health has deteriorated while he awaits a new asylum hearing date. Volkova, who was released with an ankle monitor after the same encounter, said she has spent $40,000 in legal fees and remains hopeful he will be freed. A spokesman for Rep. Bill Foster's office said they are seeking his release or a transfer to a facility closer to family.

Suggest a correction, comment, or update

Sources

Related incidents