My name is Kirill Sannikov. In Dec 2022, we came to the United States fleeing prosecution as LGBT individuals from Russia.

We applied for asylum and were hoping for a new start in a safe country.

In April 2025, my partner Nikita Mukhin got detained by ICE.

He is currently in ICE detention.

Unfortunately, on September 5th, 2025, an immigration judge issued a removal order.

Nikita is an orphan, raised by a foster family. His sufferings began when he was born. He grew up suffering daily abuse in his foster family; this had a long-lasting effect on his mental status. However, he grew up as a very friendly man, always the first one to offer help, support, and comfort.

Being gay in Russia is tough. Society is hostile, anti-LGBT laws deem gay people extremists, and there is no seeking support from police or authorities.

Nikita fled Russia when police started to show interest in the fact that he may be gay, threatening to imprison him or send him out to fight in Ukraine. That was the pivoting point in a life full of fear and concealment of his identity.

Currently, people who are being deported back to Russia are immediately subjected to FSB interrogation. Most will end up at the frontline in Ukraine. Nikita, who is 34 years old, will have a very sad end.

I have so far been doing my best to provide him with legal help. Now I have exhausted all my resources and there are more expenses on the way to appeal the decision of the judge to give Nikita a chance to stay alive.

I have never imagined the nightmare of a thought that it can happen to someone so close. Knowing that a dear person is denied the chance to live.

I am hoping to file an appeal with BIA and am raising money to fund it. Legal expenses are estimated at $2500 (minimal offer) and the filing cost is $1010. I do anticipate Nikita will spend an extended time in detention and will need some funds to be able to communicate with outside world. In my rough estimate that is likely going to be another $500 and there are secondary expenses for detainees like having to buy soap and tea. I do see those in the region of $1000 for his stay. There are also accumulated debts for his initial hearing of $7500.

Thank you to all of you who support or share this.