Josue* attended high school in El Salvador and was an active member of his church. He started dating his classmate Karen, whose older brother was part of a gang. Karen’s brother and his gang did not like that Josue was very active in his church. One day, Karen’s brother and several other gang members kidnapped Josue. They assaulted and tortured him. They contacted Josue’s parents to demand money for his release. Once his family cobbled enough funds to pay the ransom, they dumped Josue by the side of the road to die.

These gang members continued to come by Josue's house demanding more money. They threatened to hurt Josue again if his family did not pay. Josue’s family tried to relocate, only to find themselves the target of a rival gang. Fearing for his life, Josue left his home and family to seek refuge and protection in the U.S. Josue arrived in the U.S. in 2017. Earlier this year, he was granted asylum! To hear more of Josue’s story, see below.

*Names changed for confidentiality