UPDATES
Join Me on This Journey for Justice and Compassion
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Again, I’m Pastor Tendo Steven, founder and president of ELOI Ministries. As I navigate the complexities of the US immigration system, I’m committed to transparency and accountability. This UPDATES page is dedicated to sharing my journey, including the challenges and triumphs, as I seek justice and continue to serve vulnerable communities through ELOI Ministries.
On this page, you’ll find regular updates on:
My asylum case and legal battles against the US government
ELOI Ministries' work in Uganda and Vermont, including our advocacy efforts for new Americans
Ways, you can support me and ELOI Ministries through donations and prayers
Your support means the world to me. I’m grateful for your encouragement, prayers, and generosity. Together, let’s fight for justice, compassion, and the rights of marginalized communities.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Pastor Tendo Steven
LATEST UPDATE: July 21, 2025, ICE Check-in
"In that moment, I wasn't an asylum-seeker. I was home."
On Monday, July 21, 2025, I was scheduled for another mandatory check-in with the ICE office in St. Albans. These moments are always filled with a mix of feelings and anxiety, as the outcome is never predictable. As I told Vermont Public radio that morning, if I were to be sent back to Uganda, it would be like sending me to my grave.
However, I was overwhelmed and deeply humbled to see nearly 200 supporters, friends, colleagues from UVM Medical Center, church members, and advocates from organizations like Migrant Justice and the VT AFL-CIO who gathered outside the office to stand in solidarity with me. Seeing so many people there made me feel safer and more secure.
When you are inside that building, you are just a number in a file. But when I stepped through those doors and saw the faces of my friends, my colleagues, my community… in that moment, I wasn’t an asylum-seeker. I was home. A home built not by walls, but by unwavering love and solidarity.
I am relieved and grateful to report that after the meeting, I was released. While it is a huge relief to know that I am going back home and not to a detention center, the journey is not over. My asylum case is still pending, and I am scheduled for another check-in with ICE in October.
Words cannot express my gratitude for the incredible community that continues to surround and support me. Your presence and your voices provide an important shield and send a clear message that we are fighting for justice together. Thank you.
Read News Coverage of the July 21st Rally:
Vermont Public Post
Colchester asylum-seeker speaks ahead of ICE check-in
Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Support for Steven Tendo
NBC5 Post
Large crowds gather to nursing assistant facing deportation by ICE
Older Update: On Tuesday 01/21/2025...
On Tuesday 01/21/2025, I was summoned by immigration to appear to them with all my belongings and legal paperwork. I was caught off-guard because my reporting schedule has been once a year and by email and on phone. I had already checked in on 11/14/2024 and a new date of 11/11/2025 had been given to me meaning I had a full year ahead of me.
Based on the immigration atmosphere in the country currently, being summoned abruptly only meant the worst. I want to thank my friends, work colleagues and UVM staff united, our state delegation, organizations like ELOI Ministries, CVRAN, NEKASAN, Migrant Justice among others, media houses like VT digger, WCAX, VT public radio, among others as well as the general Public for all the support and company you gave me to the ICE offices in St Albans. The legal battles are still going on and I kindly call for more support and solidarity.
Based on the immigration atmosphere in the country currently, being summoned abruptly only meant the worst. I want to thank my friends, work colleagues and UVM staff united, our state delegation, organizations like ELOI Ministries, CVRAN, NEKASAN, Migrant Justice among others, media houses like VT digger, WCAX, VT public radio, among others as well as the general Public for all the support and company you gave me to the ICE offices in St Albans. The legal battles are still going on and I kindly call for more support and solidarity.
Read more here:
WCAX Post
Dozens gather to support Pastor Tendo staying in Vermont
Vtdigger Post
Steven Tendo Faces Deportation Threat Following ICE Meeting
Vtdigger Post
Colchester Asylum-Seeker Fears Deportation After Being Ordered to Report Following Trump’s Inauguration
What has been done since then:
Prof. Fatma Marouf –A & M University Texas (lead attorney)
Prof. Brett Stokes-Vermont Law School
Attorney Hassan Elsouri -Washington DC
I am so grateful and humbled with my dedicated Legal team that is working tirelessly to save my life. I am proud of Prof. Fatma Marouf –A & M University Texas (Lead Attorney), Prof. Brett Stokes-Vermont Law School, Attorney Hassan Elsouri -Washington DC among others. They have already Filed a -stay of Deportation, we have an ongoing case against US government for mistreating me while incarcerated in the Detention Center in Texas.
Underway Action: working to Filling a motion to reopen based on changed country conditions
SPECIAL THANKS:
I can’t forget the kindness of people like Jeniffer Harbury, Dinah Yessne, Madeleine Sandefur, Dian khan, Nancy Toney, the Henkin Family, CVRAN Family, and so many of you! You are such Incredible souls, and you will all never leave my heart…
SPECIAL THANKS:
I can’t forget the kindness of people like Jeniffer Harbury, Dinah Yessne, Madeleine Sandefur, Dian khan, Nancy Toney, the Henkin Family, CVRAN Family, and so many of you! You are such Incredible souls, and you will all never leave my heart…
CALL TO ACTION:
Continued alertness and solidarity
Resource mobilization to defend many in our community who are in the same boat as mine but suffering silently with fear.
Lobbying for immigration policy changes at both state and federal level
Make sure our state Delegation and representatives are aware of our unified voice against brutal and unreasonable immigration policies by calling them and make our stand clear.
Biography
Get in touch
- United States of America 72 Church Road Colchester VT 05446
- tendo.steven@gmail.com
-
+1956 272 6732
+1802 399 0809