BUFFALO, NY – Immigration officers in western New York arrested a Turkish national who violently resisted detention and attempted to grab an officer’s taser during his apprehension, officials said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Buffalo field office confirmed the Nov. 5 arrest of 39-year-old Saim Irgi, who shouted “Allahu Akbar” as he was removed from his vehicle.
Officers said Irgi refused repeated commands to exit the car and physically resisted arrest until he was subdued with a taser and taken into custody.
Authorities said Irgi has a criminal history that includes prior charges for assault in New Jersey and for strangulation, assault, and reckless endangerment in Pennsylvania.
ICE says man posed serious threat to public safety
“Saim Irgi is a violent criminal offender and a significant public safety threat to the residents of western New York,” said ICE Buffalo acting Field Office Director Tammy Marich. “Our officers will continue to work tirelessly to arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from the United States.”
According to ICE, U.S. Border Patrol first encountered Irgi on July 7, 2023, after he illegally entered the country from Mexico near Jamul, California. He was released into the U.S. without detention at that time.
In March, Irgi was arrested in Pennsauken, New Jersey, for simple assault, though that charge was later dismissed. That same day, Philadelphia police arrested him for strangulation, assault, and reckless endangerment.
Officers tased suspect after he grabbed for weapon
On Nov. 5, ICE officers conducting a targeted enforcement operation in Tonawanda observed Irgi leaving a residence in a vehicle. After confirming his identity during a traffic stop, officers ordered him to exit the car several times.
When Irgi refused and resisted attempts to remove him, officers restrained him on the ground. He continued to struggle and grabbed an officer’s taser, prompting another officer to deploy a taser to subdue him.
Irgi was taken to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, where he was evaluated by medical staff and deemed fit for detention.