A historic verdict was rendered on April 15 as Michael Sang Correa, a former member of the Gambian military, was convicted on multiple counts of torture committed during the regime of Yahya Jammeh, the past President of The Gambia. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Correa, 46, faced justice for his heinous acts in a U.S. courtroom in what's a first under the U.S. criminal torture law for a non-U.S. citizen.
The trial presented overwhelming evidence of Correa's involvement in the torture of detainees in March 2006 following a failed coup attempt, where victims were subjected to severe physical and mental abuses at the Mile 2 Prison, including being beaten, stabbed, burned, and electrocuted, evidence gathered by ICE HSI Denver with support from various agencies painted a grim picture of the atrocities committed by Correa and this conviction according to "HSI Denver Special Agent in Charge Steve Cagen," marks a significant victory in the fight against impunity for human rights violators who seek to use the United States as a hiding place after ICE arrested Correa in 2019 following his overstay of a U.S. visa and the conviction signals a clear message to perpetrators of human rights abuses worldwide.
Correa, upon sentencing, could face up to 20 years in prison for each of the five torture counts as well as the conspiracy charge, and remains under U.S. custody as his defense awaits the formal sentencing date. Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell lauded the jury and witnesses for their service and courage, saying, "Today’s verdict shows you can’t get away with coming to Colorado to hide from your past crimes," as per U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, reinforcing that justice extends beyond borders and exile offers no haven for those who've transgressed against humanity.
ICE continues its vigilant efforts, with more than 180 active investigations into suspected human rights violators from 95 countries, demonstrating their global commitment to ensuring the United States does not become a refuge for those guilty of war crimes, genocide, or torture the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, established in 2009, also plays a pivotal role in collaboration with ICE to harness a "whole of government" approach to this end and the public is urged to assist in this endeavor by reporting any information relating to foreign nationals suspected of such abuses by contacting the ICE Tip Line or HSI via email or an online tip form.
