Lawmakers urge the release of Afghan interpreter Zia, detained by ICE after a green card appointment. Zia worked with US troops in Afghanistan and entered the US on humanitarian parole. Following a biometrics appointment in Connecticut, he was arrested and moved to a Massachusetts detention facility. His attorney states he has followed all rules and has no criminal history. ICE claims there are serious allegations against him, but a temporary stay on his removal has been issued by a judge. Zia fears deportation could lead to his death.
Zia entered the US legally in October 2024 through JFK airport with humanitarian parole and an approved Special Immigrant Visa.
He has been placed in expedited removal proceedings, and Zia is terrified he'll be returned back to Afghanistan.
Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal called ICE arrests of Afghan allies like Zia a violation of basic trust and vowed to fight for his release.
Department of Homeland Security stated that Zia is under investigation for a serious criminal allegation, adding: "All of his claims will be heard by a judge."
Collection
[
|
...
]