Afghan Interpreter Arrest Sparks Controversy Amidst Immigration Crackdown

An Afghan citizen, who had previously worked for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, was apprehended by masked immigration agents. He was taken into custody and transported out of state, according to reports from attorneys and members of Congress. The man, identified only as Zia to protect his and his family's safety, had served as an interpreter for the U.S. military during the war.

Zia was in the United States legally at the time of his arrest. The arrest occurred after an appointment in Connecticut related to his application for a green card. This application was filed under a program designed to protect individuals who had worked with U.S. forces. This incident has drawn attention to the broader immigration crackdown initiated by the current administration.

Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed strong condemnation of the arrest, calling it a violation of basic decency. He highlighted Zia's service in Afghanistan, where he risked his life to uphold democratic values. Blumenthal, along with Representatives Jahana Hayes and Bill Keating, have vowed to work towards Zia's release. A temporary stay has been issued to prevent his removal from the United States, but he remains in detention.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that the Afghan national entered the U.S. in October 2024 and is under investigation for a serious criminal allegation. The department also stated that all of his claims will be heard by a judge and that any Afghan who fears persecution is able to request relief. Zia's attorney, Lauren Petersen, stated that he was granted humanitarian parole in 2024 due to threats from the Taliban and that he has no criminal record. She expressed confusion regarding the "serious criminal allegation" mentioned by DHS.

Humanitarian parole allows individuals to temporarily reside and work in the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Following the Taliban's takeover in 2021, over 70,000 Afghans entered the U.S. under the "Operation Allies Welcome" initiative. The current administration's immigration policies have included mass deportations and the revocation of temporary protected status for individuals who cannot return to their home countries. U.S. agencies have moved to terminate this status for approximately 14,600 Afghans.

Shawn VanDiver, the founder of #AfghanEvac, reported that he was aware of at least two other Afghans who had been detained after being admitted to the United States due to their work with the U.S. military. He emphasized the importance of the U.S. honoring its commitments to those who have risked their lives.