A former Nicaraguan political prisoner who claims to have been tortured for his role in anti-government protests was detained immediately after being deported from the United States last week, according to his relatives and human rights observers. Jeffrey Jarquín, 35, was sent directly from his deportation flight to Managua to Modelo prison, the same facility where he was previously held following his participation in pro-democracy demonstrations against President Daniel Ortega's administration.

Jarquín became a prominent figure during the 2018 protests in Nicaragua that called for Ortega’s resignation and free elections. He was involved in occupying public universities and sought refuge in a small Catholic church while it was attacked by pro-government militias, an event symbolic of the broader crackdown on dissent. After spending nine months in detention, Jarquín reported to journalists and human rights investigators that prison guards had subjected him to torture, including torture by cigarette burns. Released in 2019, he briefly remained in Costa Rica before seeking asylum in the United States.

Despite the Trump administration’s harsh verbal criticism of Ortega’s government—labeling it a “brutal dictatorship” guilty of theft, lies, and murder—and imposing sanctions on Ortega and his family, U.S. policy has increasingly targeted Nicaraguan political dissidents for deportation. Access to asylum has narrowed while deportations have escalated. Human rights advocates warn this may violate the international principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they face persecution or torture.

Jarquín had been arrested in Miami in February on assault charges, which were later dismissed. Nevertheless, he was detained by immigration authorities and placed in deportation proceedings. After an immigration judge rejected his request for asylum, he agreed to deportation but requested transfer to a third country. Instead, he was returned directly to Nicaragua last week.

Since January, the number of Nicaraguan deportations from the U.S. has risen sharply. Human Rights Watch analysis of government data shows that over 6,300 Nicaraguans were deported by July of this year, nearly double the 3,300 deported during the same period in 2025. Some deportees have even been sent to distant “third countries” with no connection to their lives, a practice that has drawn criticism from human rights groups and advocates.

In Miami, Jarquín was well known within the Nicaraguan community for his outspoken opposition to the Sandinista government. He often carried a megaphone at demonstrations and posted photos with U.S. Republican figures critical of Ortega, including Senator Marco Rubio. Ortega, 81, is the longest-serving leader in the Americas and governs alongside his wife and co-president, Rosario Murillo. Once revolutionaries who helped overthrow a right-wing dictatorship decades ago, the couple has increasingly consolidated power by shutting down independent media and NGOs, and jailing or forcing out most political opponents.

Nicaragua’s government did not respond to requests for comment on Jarquín’s case. His family and friends say they remain uncertain when they will see him again. “His life is in danger back in Nicaragua,” said Ronmell López, a close friend. “We demand that the dictatorship respect his life and safety.”

Juan Pappier, deputy director for the Americas at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the continued risks faced by deported Nicaraguans. “The U.S. government knows Nicaragua is one of the most authoritarian regimes in the hemisphere and should take strong measures to ensure no one is returned to torture or abuse,” he said.