Marlon Sáenz Cruz faces potential deportation from the United States

Marlon Gerardo Sáenz Cruz, a 65-year-old former Sandinista militant known as ‘El Chino Enoc’, faces potential deportation from the United States to Nicaragua or a third country. Currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following his arrest in Los Angeles on August 17, his case is under judicial review by Immigration Judge Lauren B. Watson.

Sáenz Cruz was among 222 political prisoners released and expelled from Nicaragua to the U.S. in February 2023 under humanitarian parole. Following his arrival, the Nicaraguan government stripped him and other dissidents of their nationality.

His legal path is complicated by U.S. laws that prohibit granting asylum to individuals involved in human rights abuses or repression. Consequently, his legal representatives are seeking protection under the Convention against Torture (CAT). While CAT protection could prevent his return to Nicaragua if he faces a risk of torture, it does not grant permanent residency and may still allow authorities to relocate him to a third country in Latin America or Africa.