Vermont Asylum Seeker Arrested Outside Workplace, Sparking Community Outcry

Steven Tendo, a Ugandan refugee, was detained by ICE agents despite having a scheduled check-in appointment two days later.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Steven Tendo, an asylum seeker from Uganda who has lived in Vermont for the past five years, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside his workplace on February 4, 2026. Tendo, who has a history of torture and political persecution in Uganda, was taken into custody despite having a scheduled check-in appointment with ICE just two days later. His arrest has sparked outrage in the Vermont community, with local lawmakers, unions, and advocacy groups condemning the move as an unnecessary act of harassment against immigrants.

Why it matters

Tendo's case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by asylum seekers in the United States, particularly under the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies. His arrest, which occurred just a day after President Trump's inauguration for a second term, raises concerns about the increased surveillance and detention of immigrants in Vermont and across the country.

The details

Tendo, an ordained minister and licensed nursing assistant, came to the U.S. in 2018 seeking political asylum after being targeted by the Ugandan government for his civic education and voter registration work. Despite evidence of the harm he endured in Uganda, including torture and the loss of some of his fingers, an immigration judge rejected his asylum claim in 2019. Tendo has since been fighting his case, benefiting from ICE's discretion to temporarily halt his removal. However, under the Trump administration, his check-in appointments with ICE became more frequent, raising fears of deportation.

  • Tendo came to the United States in 2018 seeking political asylum.
  • An immigration judge rejected Tendo's asylum claim in 2019.
  • Tendo was released from detention and settled in Vermont in 2021.
  • The day after President Donald Trump's inauguration for a second term, Tendo received a letter instructing him to report to ICE sooner than expected.
  • Tendo was arrested by ICE agents on February 4, 2026, just two days before a scheduled routine check-in appointment.

The players

Steven Tendo

A Ugandan refugee and asylum seeker who has lived in Vermont for the past five years, working as a licensed nursing assistant and attending Vermont State University for his nursing degree.

Brett Stokes

An assistant professor of law and director of the Vermont Law and Graduate School's Center for Justice Reform Clinic, who is working on Tendo's case.

Chris Worth

One of Tendo's lawyers, who has stated that the government had not acted on emails and calls about his client's health condition.

Bernie Sanders, Peter Welch, and Becca Balint

Democratic senators and representative from Vermont who issued a statement in support of Tendo, saying "People like Pastor Tendo are exactly who our asylum system is meant to protect."

Melissa Battah

The executive director of the Vermont Interfaith Action, who believes Tendo's arrest was meant to "instill fear into the immigrant community in Vermont."

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What they’re saying

“I believe that when we gather like this, we are not only raising our voices, we are building a sanctuary in the public square—a sanctuary where immigrants can feel seen, heard and valued, a sanctuary where policies are challenged, but more importantly, where hearts are changed.”

— Steven Tendo, Asylum Seeker

“I followed the rules. I've done great in the community. I've never abused any of the conditions of the stay or of my supervision...I'm so scared, I cannot go back [to Uganda].”

— Steven Tendo, Asylum Seeker

“People like Pastor Tendo are exactly who our asylum system is meant to protect.”

— Bernie Sanders, Peter Welch, and Becca Balint, Vermont Lawmakers

“I really believe that it was meant to instill fear into the immigrant community in Vermont...If the current administration thinks that they are just going to take this lying down, they have another thing coming for them.”

— Melissa Battah, Executive Director, Vermont Interfaith Action

What’s next

Tendo's lawyers have filed a habeas petition seeking his release from detention and an emergency motion to stop his transfer. They are also trying to reopen his case based on changed circumstances in Uganda and the increased harm he might face if deported due to his opposition to the ruling government.

The takeaway

Tendo's arrest highlights the ongoing challenges faced by asylum seekers in the United States, particularly under the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies. His case has sparked outrage in the Vermont community, with local leaders and advocacy groups condemning the move as an unnecessary act of harassment against immigrants.