Pic: Al-Qaeda terrorist suspect arrested by feds in Philadelphia
In a Tuesday press release, ICE confirmed that officials had arrested a 'Tajikistan-born Russian national who is wanted overseas.' According to ICE, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia worked in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to arrest the 39-year-old Russian national in the early morning on May 23 in Philadelphia.
'Earlier this month, Tajikistan officials declared this individual a fugitive, wanted for organization of a criminal community. It is alleged that he is or was a member of Al-Qaeda,' ICE stated. 'After his arrest, this individual was detained in ICE custody, where he will remain pending removal from the U.S.'
According to ICE officials, the 39-year-old Russian national and Al-Qaeda terrorist suspect was first encountered under former President Joe Biden's administration on March 21, 2023, at the San Ysidro Pedestrian West entry point along the southern border.
READ MORE: Video: Activists 'shielded a killer' in ICE operation near Boston
Tuesday's press release explained that the Al-Qaeda terrorist suspect was 'charged as an inadmissible alien under the Immigration and Nationality Act' since he did not possess an immigrant visa. As a result, the Russian national was paroled into the United States and given a notice to appear in front of an immigration judge.
In the press release, ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane said that arresting individuals connected to Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations reaffirms the agency's 'unwavering commitment to safeguard the homeland.'
'Through close collaboration with our outstanding partners at the FBI, we have taken decisive action to make our communities safer and prevent potential threats to the American people,' McShane said. 'I commend the dedicated men and women of ICE and the FBI for their tireless efforts and steadfast resolve in protecting this great nation.'
A picture of the recent ICE arrest in partnership with the FBI was shared by ERO Philadelphia on X, formerly Twitter.
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