In a significant national security win, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has nabbed a Tajikistan-born Russian national in Philadelphia, a man wanted overseas and suspected of being an Al-Qaeda operative.
The 39-year-old, whose name hasn’t been released, was picked up in the predawn hours of May 23 by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia, working hand-in-glove with the FBI.
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“Taking individuals linked to terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda off our streets reaffirms our unwavering commitment to safeguard the homeland,” declared Brian McShane, Acting Field Office Director for ERO Philadelphia. “Thanks to our outstanding partners at the FBI, we’ve made our communities safer and shut down potential threats to the American people.” McShane praised the tireless work of both ICE and FBI personnel.
This isn’t the first time the individual crossed paths with U.S. authorities. Back on March 21, 2023, he popped up at the San Ysidro Pedestrian West point of entry in California.
He was flagged as an inadmissible alien because he lacked an immigrant visa, served a notice to appear before an immigration judge, and then paroled into the U.S.
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But the plot thickened earlier this month when Tajik officials declared him a fugitive, wanted for organizing a criminal community. The bombshell? They allege he is, or was, a member of the notorious Al-Qaeda.
Now, he’s cooling his heels in ICE custody, awaiting deportation from the U.S.
Got a tip? If you have information about crimes or suspicious activity, don’t hesitate to call the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or fill out their online tip form.
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