We are asking ICE to allow Vladislav Tolmachev (A# 249375590) to be released to his family in Sacramento.

Mr. Tolmachev is a devout Jehovah's Witness, who fled Russia with his wife and family due to religious persecution. He has now been in immigration detention-- in three different detention centers, most recently in River Correctional Facility in New Orleans-- for 6 months. He remains in detention despite an immigration judge finding that he has a well-established fear of persecution based on his religious beliefs, a clear basis for asylum protection. He has a sponsor, and has every intention of complying with the requirements of ICE and the immigration court once released.

The Jehovah's Witness religion is banned in Russia as an "extremist organization". (fn 1). Members of the religion have been under attack-- thousands have had their homes searched, hundreds have been imprisoned for their beliefs. (fn 2). In June of 2024, three Jehovah's Witnesses were handed 8 year prison sentences for their beliefs, demonstrating the ramping up of the campaign by the Russian government against this religious group. (fn 3).

The FSB searched Mr. Tolmachev's parents' apartment, confiscated their personal belongings, and threatened them. They had to flee their home with only one suitcase. His wife's family went to Germany. Then the FSB decided to persecute Mr. Tolmachev and his wife. They called, threatened, and came to search their home.

They fled to Turkey, hoping that one day the situation in Russia would change for the better, but everything only got worse. They then fled to the United States for the promise of religious freedom and safety. The family poses no threat to the US, and have a stable and supportive community in Sacramento.

The great distance from Louisiana to California has made visitation financially impossible for the family, further adding to their hardship. There is no legitimate reason for this family to be separated as their immigration court proceedings to move forward, and we ask ICE to immediately allow Mr. Tolmachev to be released to his family for their health and well-being.

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FN 1: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/persecuted-en-masse-russia-s-jehovah-s-witnesses-expect-to-outlast-putin-s-regime/ar-AA1sfege

FN 2: https://www.npr.org/2024/03/30/1241753168/opinion-russian-jehovahs-witnesses-remain-devout-despite-facing-bans

FN 3: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-imposes-longest-sentences-yet-jehovahs-witnesses-extremism-2024-06-25/