PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a 39-year-old Russian citizen born in Tajikistan who is wanted overseas and allegedly linked to the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda.
The individual, whose name has not been released by authorities, was taken into custody in Philadelphia in the early morning hours of May 23. The arrest was conducted by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia with support from the FBI.
The man first entered the United States at the San Ysidro Pedestrian West port of entry in California on March 21, 2023. At that time, he lacked a valid immigrant visa and was charged as inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act. He was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge and allowed into the U.S. on parole.
Earlier in May, authorities in Tajikistan officially declared him a fugitive, accusing him of organizing a criminal community. According to U.S. officials, it is alleged that he is or was affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
ICE says arrest was made to prevent potential threats
“Arresting individuals linked to terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda reaffirms our unwavering commitment to safeguard the homeland,” said ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “Through close collaboration with our outstanding partners at the FBI, we have taken decisive action to make our communities safer.”
Following his arrest, the man was placed into ICE custody, where he remains pending removal proceedings.
ICE has not disclosed a timeline for his removal or any updates regarding extradition requests from Tajikistan.