Min Kumar Gurung, known on TikTok as @fitmin1992, was arrested on May 21, 2025, in West Virginia by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of “Operation Take Back America”, a national initiative targeting undocumented immigrants and individuals with final deportation orders.

Gurung first entered the U.S. in 2010 and applied for asylum, claiming persecution by Maoist forces in Nepal. His application was denied, and in 2014, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a final removal order. Despite the ruling, Gurung remained in the United States, building a large following online through controversial TikTok content.

A Divisive TikTok Persona

Under the handle @fitmin1992, Gurung amassed over 150,000 followers, sharing fitness routines, motivational clips, and cultural content. However, he became a highly polarizing figure, particularly in the Nepali and Bhutanese-Nepali communities worldwide, due to his repeated use of personal images and family photos of others—often without consent—and for making defamatory and derogatory remarks.

Many of his critics accuse him of online harassment, defamation, and exploiting social platforms to attack members of his own community for personal gain. Gurung has also engaged in public online disputes with other Nepali influencers, including Arpan KC and Urmila Rai, which escalated tensions within the diaspora.

UNPAC Takes Action

In response to Gurung’s arrest, the United Nepali Political Action Committee (UNPAC) has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to ICE, requesting detailed records about his arrest and immigration history. The organization pledges to share updates when official responses are received.

UNPAC has also issued a broader call to action aimed at U.S. authorities. In a strongly worded statement, the Chairman of UNPAC urged:

“We ask the U.S. government to monitor platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, where an increasing number of individuals are using social media for personal gain by defaming others in the Nepali community. This behavior is causing serious mental distress, especially among Nepali Americans, through baseless content designed only to attract followers. Many of these individuals falsely claim to be social workers, journalists, or influencers. People must face consequences for harmful behavior—especially when it damages others’ mental health and well-being.”

A Plea for Prevention and Accountability

The Chairman also referenced the tragic 2024 case of Mamta Kafle, a Nepali woman and Manassas, Virginia resident, who died in an incident reportedly involving prolonged abuse. The Chairman criticized individuals who had prior knowledge of such abuse but failed to alert authorities, only coming forward after the tragedy occurred:

“We urge the government to investigate cases like the Mamta Kafle tragedy. It is unacceptable for people to know about abuse and not report it. Their silence enables further harm. Accountability must extend not only to abusers but also to bystanders who fail to act.”

A Cautionary Tale

Min Gurung’s arrest highlights the complex intersection of immigration status, online behavior, and public accountability. While some view him as a misunderstood content creator, many others see his actions as harmful, exploitative, and destabilizing to a vulnerable community.

As of this publication, Gurung remains in ICE custody and is awaiting further immigration proceedings. His future in the U.S. remains uncertain.

AMN-USA will continue to follow the case and provide updates as new information becomes available.