A failed refugee claimant with a criminal record in the United States for identity theft and forgery, who also acted as an informant against the MS-13 gang, has won a stay of his deportation order from Canada. The man, identified only as FGH in a recent Federal Court decision, was ordered deported to Honduras in November 2025 but successfully challenged the order in April 2026.
Criminal History and Gang Involvement
FGH was convicted in the United States in 2006 and 2009 for identity theft and forgery. He later became an informant for U.S. authorities against the MS-13 gang in exchange for a deferral of his removal from the country. According to the Federal Court decision, FGH served as an informant for approximately three months until gang members allegedly discovered his cooperation. When he refused to continue, he was arrested and deported to Honduras in 2017.
Entry into Canada and Refugee Claim
FGH entered Canada irregularly between ports of entry in November 2020. He submitted a refugee claim in April 2021, but the claim was suspended due to a finding of serious criminality. The Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board did not proceed with the case because of his criminal record.
Threats and Fear of Harm
FGH testified that he would suffer irreparable harm if returned to Honduras. After his deportation from the U.S. in January 2017, he received threatening phone calls from individuals in both the U.S. and Honduras, who accused him of spying on them by helping authorities. In March 2017, he was pursued by armed men in a car, resulting in a serious accident. He lived in hiding for four months before fleeing to the U.S., but was caught and deported again to Honduras in May 2017.
He then moved to Israel and Spain, but found no pathway to legal work or stability. He returned to Honduras in late 2019 and traveled through the U.S. to Canada in the summer of 2020.
Court Ruling
The Federal Court ruled that FGH would face irreparable harm if deported to Honduras, citing the danger posed by gangs. The decision noted that Honduran gangs threaten and use violence against those perceived as collaborators with security forces, including informants and former gang members. The court stated that FGH's fear of persecution is well-founded and that state protection is unlikely.
As a result, the deportation order was stayed, allowing FGH to remain in Canada pending further proceedings.
