A former political prisoner, Jeffrey Jarquín, 35, was arrested and jailed in Nicaragua shortly after being deported from the United States last week, according to relatives and human rights advocates. Jarquín was taken directly from the deportation flight to Nicaragua's Modelo prison, where he had previously been held for participating in pro-democracy protests against President Daniel Ortega's government.
In 2018, Jarquín was among thousands of Nicaraguans protesting for Ortega's resignation and free elections. He helped occupy two public universities and sought refuge in a Catholic church as it was attacked by pro-government militia forces, an event that became symbolic of the protest movement in Nicaragua.
Jarquín was imprisoned for nine months and reported being tortured during his detention, including being burned with cigarette butts. He was released in 2019, spent time in Costa Rica, and later sought political asylum in the United States.
The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Ortega and his family, labeling the government a “brutal dictatorship.” However, deportations of Nicaraguans, including political dissidents, have increased, with many facing potential persecution upon return. U.S. immigration agents have begun arresting members of a group of Nicaraguan political prisoners who were recently freed and granted temporary humanitarian parole in the U.S.
Human rights advocates have raised concerns about the legality of these deportations, citing the international ban on “refoulement,” which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution or torture. Muriel Sáenz, an activist who represented Jarquín, stated that he was sent back to the same prisons where he had been tortured.
Jarquín was arrested in Miami in February on assault charges, which were later dismissed. However, immigration proceedings were initiated against him, and an immigration judge denied his asylum request. Jarquín reportedly agreed to deportation but requested to be sent to a third country, instead being flown to Managua.
According to Human Rights Watch, U.S. deportations to Nicaragua have significantly increased under the Trump administration, with over 6,300 Nicaraguans deported between January and July of this year, compared to 3,323 during the same period in 2025.
In the Nicaraguan community in Miami, Jarquín was known for his vocal opposition to the Sandinista regime and had been seen at protests alongside U.S. Republican leaders critical of Ortega. Ortega, now 81, is the longest-serving leader in the Americas and has consolidated power by closing media outlets and jailing political opponents. The Nicaraguan government has not responded to inquiries regarding Jarquín's case.
Friends and family of Jarquín are concerned for his safety, with Ronmell López, a friend, stating, “His life is in danger back in Nicaragua.” Juan Pappier, deputy director of the Americas division at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the risks faced by Nicaraguan deportees and urged the U.S. government to prevent deportations to a country known for its authoritarian regime.