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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Philadelphia have arrested a Russian national accused of being a member of Al Qaeda.
The 39-year-old man detained on May 23 was born in Tajikistan and is a fugitive who is wanted overseas, ICE announced this week.
“Detaining individuals associated with terrorist groups like Al Qaeda affirms our steadfast commitment to protecting the homeland,” remarked Brian McShane, the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia Field Office Director, in a statement.
“By working closely with our exceptional partners at the FBI, we have taken decisive steps to enhance community safety and mitigate potential risks to Americans,” he continued.
The Russian national was first encountered at the San Ysidro Pedestrian West point of entry in California on Mar. 21, 2023, ICE said. (ICE)
“He was served a notice to appear before an immigration judge and paroled into the United States,” according to ICE.
Then this month, officials in Tajikistan declared the man a fugitive.
ICE carried out a workplace raid at a car wash in Philadelphia in January, apprehending seven undocumented immigrants, six of whom were from Mexico and one from the Dominican Republic. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
“It is alleged that he is or was a member of Al-Qaeda,” ICE said. “After his arrest, this individual was detained in ICE custody, where he will remain pending removal from the U.S.”
