Trans Boxer Nolan Hanson Leads Campaign to Free Mentor Talap Mamyrkanov from ICE Detention

Transgender boxer Nolan Hanson is used to fighting, but his latest battle is taking place far from the ring. Hanson, a prominent figure in New York City’s transgender sporting community and the founder of Trans Boxing, is now leading a public campaign to secure the release of his mentor and close friend, Talap Mamyrkanov, who is currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) . The case has drawn attention to the intersection of transgender rights, immigration policy, and the unique vulnerabilities faced by LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.

Talap Mamyrkanov’s journey to the United States began in 2019, when he fled Russia after decades of facing persecution and discrimination as an LGBTQ+ individual. According to advocates, Mamyrkanov’s decision to seek asylum in the U.S. was motivated by both personal safety concerns and fear of retribution against his family in Russia, where LGBTQ+ people continue to experience widespread hostility and legal barriers . After arriving in the U.S., Mamyrkanov was initially detained for over a year in Southern California before eventually relocating to Brooklyn in 2021.

Despite finding a new community and a sense of belonging in New York—particularly through his involvement in Trans Boxing—Mamyrkanov’s future remained uncertain. Earlier this year, he was detained again by ICE, first in Nassau County Jail, then transferred to a federal detention center in Batavia, New York . Hanson, who describes Mamyrkanov as both a mentor and a friend, mobilized quickly in response to the detention, contacting lawyers and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to support Mamyrkanov’s legal fight.

For Hanson, the campaign to free Mamyrkanov is deeply personal. “Talap is more than a mentor—he’s part of our family,” Hanson told The Advocate. Through their shared work at Trans Boxing, Mamyrkanov has played a crucial role in fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support among transgender and queer athletes, many of whom face marginalization both in sports and in broader society .

Hanson recounted visiting Mamyrkanov in detention, describing emotional moments as he read letters from young boxers and supporters. “He smiled through his tears when he heard from the community,” Hanson shared, underscoring how the Trans Boxing community has rallied behind Mamyrkanov’s cause .

Mamyrkanov’s legal battle has been fraught with challenges. His case was reopened earlier this year, with a new immigration hearing scheduled for late August 2025—a critical development after advocacy efforts secured the involvement of a new legal team . The process has involved navigating a complex system that, according to LGBTQ+ advocates, is often unprepared or unwilling to accommodate the specific needs of transgender and queer asylum seekers.

Hanson has become Mamyrkanov’s primary advocate on the outside, coordinating with pro bono attorneys, LGBTQ+ organizations, and immigrant rights groups. The campaign includes public appeals, letter-writing efforts, and outreach to local and national media outlets to raise awareness of Mamyrkanov’s plight .

Mamyrkanov’s story is emblematic of broader issues facing LGBTQ+ immigrants in the United States. According to advocacy groups, transgender people in ICE detention are at heightened risk of abuse, inadequate medical care, and isolation . The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released guidelines aimed at improving conditions for transgender individuals in custody, but advocates say implementation remains inconsistent and often insufficient .

The ongoing campaign for Mamyrkanov’s release has galvanized support from both the LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights communities. “This is not just about one person—it’s about the right of all transgender and queer people to be safe and treated with dignity,” Hanson said in a recent interview .

The Trans Boxing gym in New York City has become a focal point for solidarity efforts, serving as both a community space and a platform for activism. Members have organized fundraisers, letter-writing campaigns, and public demonstrations calling for Mamyrkanov’s release . The campaign has also attracted attention on social media, with hashtags and posts amplifying the call for justice and humane treatment for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers .

Local and national organizations, including LGBTQ+ legal clinics and immigrant rights groups, have issued statements in support of Mamyrkanov and other transgender people held in ICE detention, urging policymakers to ensure that the rights and safety of all immigrants are protected .

As Mamyrkanov awaits the outcome of his case, Hanson and their supporters remain determined. The fight, they say, is not only for Mamyrkanov’s freedom but for systemic change in how the U.S. treats LGBTQ+ immigrants. “We won’t stop until Talap is free and until no one else faces this kind of injustice,” Hanson told The Advocate .

The outcome of Mamyrkanov’s case could have far-reaching implications for the rights of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and the responsibilities of the U.S. government in protecting vulnerable populations. For now, the campaign continues, drawing strength from a community united by solidarity, resilience, and hope.