In a coordinated effort with the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations in Philadelphia apprehended a Tajikistan-born Russian national on suspicion of terrorism-related activities. The 39-year-old man, who has not been named, was taken into custody in the wee hours of May 23, according to a press release from ICE.
The individual first came to the attention of U.S. authorities when he attempted to enter the country at the San Ysidro Pedestrian West point of entry in California on March 21, 2023. At that time, he was charged as an inadmissible alien under the Immigration and Nationality Act, due to his lack of an immigrant visa and was paroled into the United States pending an appearance before an immigration judge.
Earlier in May, officials in Tajikistan declared the man a fugitive, wanted for the organization of a criminal community. There are allegations that he is, or was at some point, a member of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group. This development led to the recent arrest and detention in ICE custody, where the individual will remain pending his removal from the U.S., as detailed by ICE.
ICE has encouraged members of the public to come forward with any information that might be relevant to this case or any suspicious activity. People can anonymously report crimes by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by filling out an online tip form.
