Senegalese political activist Ousmane Tounkara released from immigration custody

Senegalese political activist Ousmane Tounkara was released from immigration custody on the afternoon of May 24, 2021 after a more than two-month battle with the US Department of Homeland Security.

Tounkara ended up in the hands of immigration after an inquiry from the FBI in March 2021.

The US Department of Homeland Security wanted to deport him to Senegal, his home country, but an immigration judge granted Tounkara the authorization to remain on US soil on May 13, 2021.

The Homeland Security had the opportunity to appeal the decision, but Tounkara’s release this afternoon suggests that they didn’t and the father of five was finally able to reunite with his wife and children.

Tounkara did a Facebook Live a few hours after his release thanking his supporters and members of the Senegalese community in the US and abroad who fought for his release.

 

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