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NBC News
a day ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Masked ICE agents detain former Afghan interpreter who helped U.S. military
WASHINGTON — An Afghan who moved to the United States after working for the U.S. military in his home country was seized by armed, masked immigration agents, put in a van and taken out of state, attorneys and members of Congress said Tuesday. Identified only as Zia by members of Congress and his attorney out of concern for his safety and that of his family, the man had worked as an interpreter for the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan. He was in the United States legally and was arrested after an appointment in Connecticut related to his application for a green card under a program to protect people who worked for U.S. forces, according to human rights advocates, his attorney and members of Congress. Since starting his second term in January, Republican President Donald Trump has pursued a broad crackdown on immigration. 'What happened to him is the worst kind of abhorrent violation of basic decency,' Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., told reporters on a call with advocates to draw attention to the case of Zia and at least two other Afghans who worked for the U.S. and have been seized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. 'He actually worked and risked his life in Afghanistan to uphold the values and rights that are central to democracy,' Blumenthal said. Blumenthal and two other Democrats, Reps. Jahana Hayes, who serves Zia's district in Connecticut, and Bill Keating, who represents the Massachusetts city where Zia is being held, all pledged to fight for his release. A judge has issued a temporary stay preventing Zia's removal from the United States, but he remains in detention. Asked for comment, the Department of Homeland Security said the Afghan national entered the U.S. on Oct. 8, 2024, and is under investigation for a 'serious criminal allegation,' adding, 'All of his claims will be heard by a judge. Any Afghan who fears persecution is able to request relief.' The emailed statement from DHS provided no further details. Zia's attorney, Lauren Petersen, said he was approved for humanitarian parole in 2024 due to a direct threat from Afghanistan's Taliban rulers. She said he has no criminal history and, when asked about DHS's saying he was under investigation for a 'serious criminal allegation,' she said she had no understanding of what they were referring to. Humanitarian parole is a form of temporary permission under American law to be in the country for 'urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit,' allowing recipients to live and work in the United States. More than 70,000 Afghans entered the U.S. under former President Joe Biden's 'Operation Allies Welcome' initiative following the Taliban takeover in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Trump administration's immigration crackdown has included mass deportations and reversing 'temporary protected status' granted to people already in the U.S. who cannot return to their home countries due to armed conflicts, natural disasters or other extraordinary events. U.S. agencies have moved to terminate that status for some 14,600 Afghans. Shawn VanDiver, the founder of #AfghanEvac, the main coalition of veterans and advocacy groups that coordinated resettlements of Afghans with the U.S. government, said on the call with reporters and lawmakers that he was aware of at least two other Afghans detained after being admitted to the United States because they had worked for the U.S. military. He said his group, and veterans organizations, were working for their release. 'It's about whether this country honors its word to those who risk everything,' he said.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Masked ICE agents detain former Afghan interpreter who helped US military
The entrance to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office stands behind fences outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York City, U.S., July 22, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton WASHINGTON - An Afghan who moved to the United States after working for the U.S. military in his home country was seized by armed, masked immigration agents, put in a van and taken out of state, attorneys and members of Congress said on Tuesday. Identified only as Zia by members of Congress and his attorney out of concern for his safety and that of his family, the man had worked as an interpreter for the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan. He was in the United States legally and was arrested after an appointment in Connecticut related to his application for a green card under a program to protect people who worked for U.S. forces, according to human-rights advocates, his attorney and members of Congress. Since starting his second term in January, Republican President Donald Trump has pursued a broad crackdown on immigration. "What happened to him is the worst kind of abhorrent violation of basic decency," Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut told reporters on a call with advocates to draw attention to the case of Zia and at least two other Afghans who worked for the U.S. and have been seized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. "He actually worked and risked his life in Afghanistan to uphold the values and rights that are central to democracy," Blumenthal said. Blumenthal and two other Democrats, representatives Jahana Hayes, who serves Zia's district in Connecticut, and Bill Keating, who represents the Massachusetts city where Zia is being held, all pledged to fight for his release. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kick in Business Singapore's digital banks finding their niche in areas like SMEs as they narrow losses in 2024 Asia Japan Prime Minister Ishiba to resign by August, Mainichi newspaper reports World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore 2 foreigners arrested for shop theft at Changi Airport Opinion Most companies onboard the wrong way – here's how to get it right Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving A judge has issued a temporary stay preventing Zia's removal from the United States, but he remains in detention. ALLEGATIONS, DENIED BY ATTORNEY Asked for comment, the Department of Homeland Security said the Afghan national entered the U.S. on October 8, 2024, and is under investigation for a "serious criminal allegation," adding, "All of his claims will be heard by a judge. Any Afghan who fears persecution is able to request relief." The emailed statement from DHS provided no further details. Zia's attorney, Lauren Petersen, said he was approved for humanitarian parole in 2024 due to a direct threat from Afghanistan's Taliban rulers. She said he has no criminal history and, when asked about DHS's saying he was under investigation for a "serious criminal allegation," she said she had no understanding of what they were referring to. Humanitarian parole is a form of temporary permission under American law to be in the country for "urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit," allowing recipients to live and work in the United States. More than 70,000 Afghans entered the U.S. under former Democratic President Joe Biden's "Operation Allies Welcome" initiative following the Taliban takeover in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Trump administration's immigration crackdown has included mass deportations and reversing "temporary protected status" granted to people already in the U.S. who cannot return to their home countries due to armed conflicts, natural disasters or other extraordinary events. U.S. agencies have moved to terminate that status for some 14,600 Afghans. Shawn VanDiver, the founder of #AfghanEvac, the main coalition of veterans and advocacy groups that coordinated resettlements of Afghans with the U.S. government, said on the call with reporters and lawmakers that he was aware of at least two other Afghans detained after being admitted to the United States because they had worked for the U.S. military. He said his group, and veterans organizations, were working for their release. "It's about whether this country honors its word to those who risk everything," he said. REUTERS
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Masked ICE agents detain former Afghan who helped US military
The entrance to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office stands behind fences outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York City, U.S., July 22, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton WASHINGTON (Reuters) -An Afghan who moved to the United States after working for the U.S. military in his home country was seized by armed, masked immigration agents, put in a van and taken out of state, attorneys and members of Congress said on Tuesday. Identified only as Zia by members of Congress and his attorney out of concern for his safety and that of his family, the man had worked as an interpreter for the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan. He was in the United States legally and was arrested after an appointment in Connecticut related to his application for a green card under a program to protect people who worked for U.S. forces, according to human-rights advocates, his attorney and members of Congress. Since starting his second term in January, Republican President Donald Trump has pursued a broad crackdown on immigration. "What happened to him is the worst kind of abhorrent violation of basic decency," Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut told reporters on a call with advocates to draw attention to the case of Zia and at least two other Afghans who worked for the U.S. and have been seized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. "He actually worked and risked his life in Afghanistan to uphold the values and rights that are central to democracy," Blumenthal said. Blumenthal and two other Democrats, representatives Jahana Hayes, who serves Zia's district in Connecticut, and Bill Keating, who represents the Massachusetts city where Zia is being held, all pledged to fight for his release. A judge has issued a temporary stay preventing Zia's removal from the United States, but he remains in detention. ALLEGATIONS, DENIED BY ATTORNEY Asked for comment, the Department of Homeland Security said the Afghan national entered the U.S. on October 8, 2024, and is under investigation for a "serious criminal allegation," adding, "All of his claims will be heard by a judge. Any Afghan who fears persecution is able to request relief." The emailed statement from DHS provided no further details. Zia's attorney, Lauren Petersen, said he was approved for humanitarian parole in 2024 due to a direct threat from Afghanistan's Taliban rulers. She said he has no criminal history and, when asked about DHS's saying he was under investigation for a "serious criminal allegation," she said she had no understanding of what they were referring to. Humanitarian parole is a form of temporary permission under American law to be in the country for "urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit," allowing recipients to live and work in the United States. More than 70,000 Afghans entered the U.S. under former Democratic President Joe Biden's "Operation Allies Welcome" initiative following the Taliban takeover in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Trump administration's immigration crackdown has included mass deportations and reversing "temporary protected status" granted to people already in the U.S. who cannot return to their home countries due to armed conflicts, natural disasters or other extraordinary events. U.S. agencies have moved to terminate that status for some 14,600 Afghans. Shawn VanDiver, the founder of #AfghanEvac, the main coalition of veterans and advocacy groups that coordinated resettlements of Afghans with the U.S. government, said on the call with reporters and lawmakers that he was aware of at least two other Afghans detained after being admitted to the United States because they had worked for the U.S. military. He said his group, and veterans organizations, were working for their release. "It's about whether this country honors its word to those who risk everything," he said. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Editing by Don Durfee, Nia Williams and Matthew Lewis)
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Masked ICE agents detain former Afghan who helped US military
The entrance to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office stands behind fences outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York City, U.S., July 22, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton WASHINGTON - An Afghan who moved to the United States after working for the U.S. military in his home country was seized by armed, masked immigration agents, put in a van and taken out of state, attorneys and members of Congress said on Tuesday. Identified only as Zia by members of Congress and his attorney out of concern for his safety and that of his family, the man had worked as an interpreter for the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan. He was in the United States legally and was arrested after an appointment in Connecticut related to his application for a green card under a program to protect people who worked for U.S. forces, according to human-rights advocates, his attorney and members of Congress. Since starting his second term in January, Republican President Donald Trump has pursued a broad crackdown on immigration. "What happened to him is the worst kind of abhorrent violation of basic decency," Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut told reporters on a call with advocates to draw attention to the case of Zia and at least two other Afghans who worked for the U.S. and have been seized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. "He actually worked and risked his life in Afghanistan to uphold the values and rights that are central to democracy," Blumenthal said. Blumenthal and two other Democrats, representatives Jahana Hayes, who serves Zia's district in Connecticut, and Bill Keating, who represents the Massachusetts city where Zia is being held, all pledged to fight for his release. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Singapore's digital banks finding their niche in areas like SMEs as they narrow losses in 2024 World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore 2 foreigners arrested for shop theft at Changi Airport Opinion Most companies onboard wrong – here's how to get it right Life Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath's bat-biting frontman turned reality TV star, dies aged 76 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving A judge has issued a temporary stay preventing Zia's removal from the United States, but he remains in detention. ALLEGATIONS, DENIED BY ATTORNEY Asked for comment, the Department of Homeland Security said the Afghan national entered the U.S. on October 8, 2024, and is under investigation for a "serious criminal allegation," adding, "All of his claims will be heard by a judge. Any Afghan who fears persecution is able to request relief." The emailed statement from DHS provided no further details. Zia's attorney, Lauren Petersen, said he was approved for humanitarian parole in 2024 due to a direct threat from Afghanistan's Taliban rulers. She said he has no criminal history and, when asked about DHS's saying he was under investigation for a "serious criminal allegation," she said she had no understanding of what they were referring to. Humanitarian parole is a form of temporary permission under American law to be in the country for "urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit," allowing recipients to live and work in the United States. More than 70,000 Afghans entered the U.S. under former Democratic President Joe Biden's "Operation Allies Welcome" initiative following the Taliban takeover in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Trump administration's immigration crackdown has included mass deportations and reversing "temporary protected status" granted to people already in the U.S. who cannot return to their home countries due to armed conflicts, natural disasters or other extraordinary events. U.S. agencies have moved to terminate that status for some 14,600 Afghans. Shawn VanDiver, the founder of #AfghanEvac, the main coalition of veterans and advocacy groups that coordinated resettlements of Afghans with the U.S. government, said on the call with reporters and lawmakers that he was aware of at least two other Afghans detained after being admitted to the United States because they had worked for the U.S. military. He said his group, and veterans organizations, were working for their release. "It's about whether this country honors its word to those who risk everything," he said. REUTERS
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'Fueling Putin's war machine': Will India, China face tariff heat over Russian oil? US senators call for 500%
Richard Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham (AP photo) US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have warned that countries like India, China, and Brazil, all members of Brics -- could face economic sanctions if they continue trading with Russia. This comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has announced that he will impose 100 percent "secondary tariffs" on Russia if President Vladimir Putin does not agree to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days. Senators Graham and Blumenthal, who belong to different political parties, have introduced a bill in the US Congress earlier this year. It has support from 85 other lawmakers and proposes tough sanctions on Russia. They say the bill could act as a "sledgehammer" to pressure Putin into ending the war. Senator Blumenthal posted on X, "We'll continue to push for Senator Graham & my Russia Sanctions bill with even tougher penalties to deter India, China, Brazil & others from fueling Putin's war machine. Congressional action sends a powerful message of support." According to a joint statement by the two Senators, countries like India, China, and Brazil are helping Russia by buying cheap oil and gas, which they believe is helping Putin continue the war. The bill suggests imposing tariffs as high as 500 percent on any country that supports Russia in this way. Trump announced the idea of secondary tariffs during a meeting with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday. Senator Blumenthal praised the move, calling it a 'breakthrough step' and described Putin as a 'thug.' Blumenthal also said on X, "The President's announcement is a breakthrough step--committing to both substantial military aid & strong sanctions. It recognizes the urgency of showing sledgehammer strength--because peace through strength is the only viable strategy with a thug like Putin." The joint statement from Graham and Blumenthal welcomed Trump's announcement and said it was a strong step to push for peace talks. It read, "The ultimate hammer to bring about the end of this war will be tariffs against countries, like China, India and Brazil, that prop up Putin's war machine by purchasing cheap Russian oil and gas. President Trump's decision to announce the implementation of 100 percent secondary tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas if a peace agreement is not reached in the next 50 days is a real executive hammer to drive the parties to the negotiating table. The goal is not more tariffs and sanctions - the goal is to entice Putin to come to the peace table." They also added, "Finally, as President Trump indicated, we will join our colleagues in continuing to work with the White House on our bipartisan Russia sanctions legislation that would implement up to 500 percent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas and do not help Ukraine." During his meeting with the Nato chief, Trump said, "One of the reasons that you're here today is to hear that we are very unhappy - I am - with Russia. But we will discuss that maybe another day. But we're very, very unhappy with them, and we're going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don't have a deal in 50 days. Tariffs at about 100 percent. You'd call them secondary tariffs. But today, we're going to talk about something else. " India has responded to these developments. External affairs minister S Jaishankar recently said that Indian officials have been in contact with Senator Graham regarding the proposed sanctions bill. Speaking at a press conference, Jaishankar said, "Regarding Senator Lindsey Graham's bill, any development which is happening in the US Congress is of interest to us if it impacts our interest or could impact our interest. So we have been in touch with Senator Lindsey Graham. The embassy, ambassador have been in touch. Our concerns and our interests on energy, security have been made conversant to him. So we'll then have to cross that bridge when we come to it. If we come to it." Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
