A targeted operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Buffalo Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) on November 5 resulted in the arrest of a 39-year-old illegal alien from Turkey following a violent struggle where the individual resisted officers and attempted to grab an officer’s Taser while yelling “Allahu Akbar.”
The man, identified as Saim Irgi, was apprehended in Tonawanda. ICE officers had observed Irgi driving away from a residence and initiated a stop. During the encounter, officers confirmed Irgi’s identity and status as an illegal alien without authorization to be in the U.S.
According to ICE, Irgi consistently refused multiple commands to exit his vehicle and actively resisted when officers attempted to remove him. After being physically removed and escorted to the ground, he continued to struggle. Officers drew their Tasers, warning him to stop resisting.
It was during the attempt to place Irgi in custody that he allegedly grabbed onto an officer’s Taser while screaming “Allahu Akbar.” Another officer then deployed their Taser, subduing Irgi and allowing officers to place him in restraints and take him into custody. He was transported to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility after being deemed medically fit for detention.
Irgi has an existing violent criminal history. According to ICE, his record includes:
- Simple Assault charge in Pennsauken, New Jersey, on March 19, which was dismissed on April 4.
- Charges for strangulation, simple assault, and recklessly endangering filed by the Philadelphia Police Department in Pennsylvania on April 4.
Irgi’s presence in the U.S. began after he was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near Jamul, California, on July 7, 2023, following his illegal entry from Mexico. He was subsequently released into the U.S. without full vetting.
READ: ICE Detains Illegal Immigrant Who Attacked Jogging Texas Woman With Hammer
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