A 36-year-old Afghan interpreter who served alongside U.S. military forces was detained during a routine immigration appointment in East Hartford, Connecticut, triggering immediate legal action to prevent his deportation. The former interpreter, identified only as Zia due to safety concerns for his overseas relatives, was taken into custody while attempting to complete standard biometric procedures for his Green Card application.
According to Military.com, the incident occurred when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended Zia at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office. The father of five was accompanied by an 80-year-old volunteer when agents wearing masks forced him into a van and transported him to a facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Attorney Lauren Cundick Petersen quickly filed for emergency legal intervention, resulting in a Massachusetts federal judge issuing a stay order. The ruling requires authorities to provide 72 hours' notice before attempting to move Zia to another facility or initiating deportation proceedings, offering temporary protection for the former interpreter who expressed grave concerns about returning to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Legal Status and Immigration Program Details
Zia entered the United States through his brother's sponsorship under a specialized program for individuals at risk. His current legal status remains valid until October 2026, making his detention particularly puzzling to legal experts and advocacy groups.
The former interpreter had been pursuing a Green Card through a program specifically designed to protect individuals who assisted U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. His wife and children had successfully completed similar biometric appointments at the same facility just days before his detention.
Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, Zia and his family initially sought refuge in Pakistan before securing entry to the United States in 2021. The program under which he applied offers protection to those who might face danger due to their previous work with American forces.
Community Response and Legal Intervention
The detention has sparked outrage among local advocacy groups and community members. Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) has stepped forward to support both the family and their legal representation during this crisis.
IRIS Executive Director Maggie Mitchell Salem emphasized that Zia maintains legal status and has no criminal record, making his detention particularly concerning. The organization's staff has been actively visiting and supporting Zia's family while his legal team works to secure his release.
The incident gained public attention through social media when the volunteer's daughter expressed her anger in a Facebook post, describing the detention as "wrong, inhumane and un-American." The post highlighted the growing community concern over the treatment of Afghan allies who supported U.S. military operations.
Uncertain Future and Safety Concerns
Zia's attorney reported that her client is experiencing severe distress in detention, expressing a preference for death in America over returning to Afghanistan. The former interpreter's fears stem from potential Taliban retaliation for his service to U.S. forces.
ICE officials have not provided immediate comment or explanation for the detention, leaving questions unanswered about the reasoning behind their actions. The only potential explanation suggested by advocates relates to an executive order allowing review of status for individuals who entered the country after January 20, 2021.
The case has drawn attention to the broader challenges faced by Afghan interpreters and other allies who assisted U.S. military operations. Immigration advocates argue that such detentions could discourage future cooperation from local allies in global military operations.
Impact on Afghan Allies and Policy Implications
The detention has raised significant concerns about the treatment of Afghan allies who supported U.S. military operations. Zia's case represents a critical test of America's commitment to protecting those who risked their lives assisting U.S. forces.
Legal experts and advocacy groups continue monitoring the situation, emphasizing the potential precedent this case could set for other Afghan allies seeking protection in the United States. The incident has sparked renewed debate about immigration policies affecting military interpreters and support personnel.
The resolution of Zia's case could influence future handling of similar situations involving former military interpreters and their families. Meanwhile, his family awaits answers while prevented from visiting him for the first ten days of his detention, highlighting the personal toll of such immigration enforcement actions.
