Ex-Mozambique Minister Detained at Boston Airport After Travel Snafu

Manuel Chang, convicted in a $2B bond-fraud case, was taken into ICE custody at Logan after airline staff flagged issues with his travel documents.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:19pm

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Former Mozambique finance minister Manuel Chang, convicted in a U.S. fraud case tied to billions in government-backed loans, ended up back in custody at Boston Logan after a problem with his travel documents derailed his expected deportation. Airline staff at Boston Logan blocked Chang from boarding a flight out of the U.S. after spotting an issue with his travel papers, and he was then taken into ICE custody at the airport.

Why it matters

Chang's detention at Logan puts a global corruption case squarely in the middle of Boston's already tense debates over immigration enforcement at the airport. Local coverage has tracked increasing ICE activity and frequent transfers of detainees out of state, a pattern that can make it difficult for families and attorneys to keep up with where people are held.

The details

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Chang was convicted in August 2024 of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with roughly $2 billion in government-backed loans. He was sentenced in January 2025 to 102 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $7 million after prosecutors showed that more than $200 million was siphoned off for bribes and kickbacks.

  • Chang was convicted in August 2024.
  • He was sentenced in January 2025 to 102 months in prison.
  • Chang was trying to board a flight out of Boston when the incident occurred.

The players

Manuel Chang

The former finance minister of Mozambique who was convicted in a $2B bond-fraud case.

Adam Ford

Chang's attorney who is now chasing answers from immigration officials about his client's exact location and status.

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What they’re saying

“Chang had been slated for deportation following his release from federal prison but was instead taken into ICE custody at the airport.”

— Adam Ford, Chang's attorney

What’s next

Chang's attorney says they are pressing officials for details on his client's current status and location. Legal advocates caution that rapid transfers and surprise detentions can slow access to counsel and complicate any attempt to challenge removal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the deportation process, especially for high-profile individuals with international ties. It also underscores the ongoing tensions in Boston over immigration enforcement and detainee transfers at the city's major airport.