Belarusian political activist deported to Costa Rica after asylum request ignored at border
Apr 2026·Location: South Texas
Country 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.
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
ticotimes.net·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
ticotimes.net·Apr 17, 2026·archived copy
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