A Troubling Detention: The Case of Sayed Naser
Background
Sayed Naser, an Afghan man who devoted three years to assisting U.S. troops in Afghanistan, found himself in a predicament that has left many questioning the treatment of individuals who supported American military efforts abroad. Naser was detained last week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in San Diego, following a compulsory immigration hearing he attended in compliance with legal requirements.
Details of the Detention
In a startling video shared by CBS News, Naser, visibly distraught, was handcuffed and escorted from the federal courthouse by masked ICE agents. “For more than three years I worked for the U.S. military back in my home country,” he stated, expressing disbelief about his current situation. Naser’s story is emblematic of the fears facing many Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the two-decade-long conflict.
Legal Status
Naser was granted lawful parole into the United States in 2024, and he currently has an active asylum case and a pending Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) application. The SIV program was designed to protect foreign nationals who worked with U.S. military and government personnel in high-risk environments like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Court records indicate that Naser has no criminal history.
Shawn VanDiver, the executive director of #AfghanEvac, a nonprofit advocating for Afghan allies, remarked, “This man served with our troops. He came through the front door. He followed every rule. And we locked him up anyway.” Despite his compliance, the circumstances surrounding his detention raised serious questions about ICE’s practices.
The Circumstances Surrounding His Detainment
Naser served as a civilian interpreter for the U.S. military from 2015 until 2018, and he co-owned a logistics company that supported American troops. His past service rendered him a target for the Taliban; after the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021, his family faced tremendous danger, including the tragic murder of his brother and the abduction of his father by Taliban forces.
Driven by the escalating threats, Naser sought refuge abroad and eventually made a perilous journey to the United States after being granted a humanitarian visa in Brazil. His recent appearance in court was intended to move his asylum case forward, but the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed him that his case had been “improvidently issued,” a vague and confusing term that left his lawyer bewildered.
Rise in Courthouse Arrests
Naser’s case is not an isolated incident; there has been a noticeable uptick in ICE arrests at courthouses across the nation. This alarming trend has spurred protests and raised concerns among immigration advocates. In previous months, major demonstrations erupted in Los Angeles after ICE arrested individuals outside their immigration hearings. Critics argue that such tactics are creating a climate of fear among those seeking legal recourse for their immigration status.
McGoldrick, Naser’s attorney, highlighted the intimidation tactics employed by ICE, saying, “You walk down the hall and it’s like you’re walking down executioner’s row.” The chaotic environment surrounding courthouses has made it difficult for many to feel safe while navigating their legal obligations.
The Uncertain Future
Naser is currently held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego, where he may remain for months while his asylum case is processed. If denied asylum, he faces expedited removal and potential deportation, though his lawyer has expressed uncertainty about the outcome or his destination.
Meanwhile, Naser’s family remains at risk in Afghanistan. His wife learned of his detention through social media, adding another layer of trauma to a situation that has already proven harrowing.
Broader Implications
The recent shift in U.S. policy regarding Afghan allies has drawn criticism and concern. The Trump administration has moved toward terminating protections such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), risking the deportation of many Afghans who contributed to U.S. efforts. With over 100,000 Afghan wartime allies awaiting clearance to enter the U.S., these policy changes have left many in precarious situations, unable to escape Taliban retribution.
VanDiver articulated the broader dangers at play: “Afghanistan remains under the control of the Taliban… The United States cannot abandon its allies and call that immigration policy.”
Final Thoughts
Sayed Naser’s story reflects a growing crisis for those who risked their lives to support U.S. forces. As we navigate this complex humanitarian issue, it becomes increasingly vital to advocate for the safety and rights of individuals like Naser, who have endured unimaginable hardships for their commitment to help others.
