Case #25-0088903
Case #25-0088903
JHL from Colombia
Type of Case: Removal
Language/interpretation needs: Spanish (interpreter needed)
Date of Entry (and status, if any): 02/24/2022, EWI
Next Hearing: MCH on 10/23/2026 in person with IJ Ivany
Case Summary:
JHL identifies himself as a human rights defender of the rights of children and adolescents. In about 2020, JHL reported drug sales occurring at his daughter's school in Bogotá, Colombia, to the police. JHL was also involved in organizing protests at the school and organizing other parents to take action against the drug sales occurring at the school. Following this report and this organizing activity with other parents, he began receiving threats from Las Águilas Negras, an armed criminal group with alleged links to paramilitary organizations. JHL believes that students at his daughter's school informed the group that he was the individual who made the report to the police.
Between 2020 and January 2022, threatening pamphlets were repeatedly slid under the door of his home. The threats demanded payment of $30,000 and identified JHL, his daughter, and his parents by name. They also threatened to rape his daughter in retribution.
In January 2022, the leader of the group came to his residence and fired gunshots into the home while attempting to force entry by breaking down the door. He believed that the intent was to enter and sexually assault his daughter, as well as otherwise physically harming his family. On the same day as the attack, JHL made a police report and he retains a copy of this police report. Fearing for their safety, JHL and his daughter fled from Bogotá and relocated to a nearby city, where they remained for approximately 15 days.
While in the new location, JHL continued to receive threats. Additional pamphlets were left at his residence stating that he and his daughter could not hide. As a result, JHL left Colombia and traveled to Panama, where he remained for approximately two months. After being robbed in Panama, he decided to travel to the United States, arriving in February 2022 at the Southern border. He timely applied for asylum.
JHL's daughter currently resides in Spain. His parents remain in Colombia but have since relocated to a different city.
Theory of the Case: Asylum based on fear of past and future persecution by non-government actors on account of political opinion as a defender of the human rights of children and adolescents, and possibly membership in a particular social group (public protester and reporter of drug related crimes).
Commitment: Represent client through the remainder of removal proceedings-preparing and filing additional evidence, pre-hearing brief, and preparing the client for a final merits hearing. Asylum Application has already been filed.
Court Y/N: Y
Experience level/case team size recommended: Appropriate for any experience level and team size
JHL from Colombia
Type of Case: Removal
Language/interpretation needs: Spanish (interpreter needed)
Date of Entry (and status, if any): 02/24/2022, EWI
Next Hearing: MCH on 10/23/2026 in person with IJ Ivany
Case Summary:
JHL identifies himself as a human rights defender of the rights of children and adolescents. In about 2020, JHL reported drug sales occurring at his daughter's school in Bogotá, Colombia, to the police. JHL was also involved in organizing protests at the school and organizing other parents to take action against the drug sales occurring at the school. Following this report and this organizing activity with other parents, he began receiving threats from Las Águilas Negras, an armed criminal group with alleged links to paramilitary organizations. JHL believes that students at his daughter's school informed the group that he was the individual who made the report to the police.
Between 2020 and January 2022, threatening pamphlets were repeatedly slid under the door of his home. The threats demanded payment of $30,000 and identified JHL, his daughter, and his parents by name. They also threatened to rape his daughter in retribution.
In January 2022, the leader of the group came to his residence and fired gunshots into the home while attempting to force entry by breaking down the door. He believed that the intent was to enter and sexually assault his daughter, as well as otherwise physically harming his family. On the same day as the attack, JHL made a police report and he retains a copy of this police report. Fearing for their safety, JHL and his daughter fled from Bogotá and relocated to a nearby city, where they remained for approximately 15 days.
While in the new location, JHL continued to receive threats. Additional pamphlets were left at his residence stating that he and his daughter could not hide. As a result, JHL left Colombia and traveled to Panama, where he remained for approximately two months. After being robbed in Panama, he decided to travel to the United States, arriving in February 2022 at the Southern border. He timely applied for asylum.
JHL's daughter currently resides in Spain. His parents remain in Colombia but have since relocated to a different city.
Theory of the Case: Asylum based on fear of past and future persecution by non-government actors on account of political opinion as a defender of the human rights of children and adolescents, and possibly membership in a particular social group (public protester and reporter of drug related crimes).
Commitment: Represent client through the remainder of removal proceedings-preparing and filing additional evidence, pre-hearing brief, and preparing the client for a final merits hearing. Asylum Application has already been filed.
Court Y/N: Y
Experience level/case team size recommended: Appropriate for any experience level and team size
Case Interest Form
Are you interested in this case? If so, please fill out the form below.
