U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested a Tajikistan-born Russian national who is wanted overseas on suspicion of being linked to the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization, ICE reported on June 3.
A statement says ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Philadelphia, in partnership with the FBI, arrested a 39-year-old male, born in Tajikistan and a citizen of Russia, in the early morning hours on May 23, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“Arresting individuals linked to terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda reaffirms our unwavering commitment to safeguard the homeland. Through close collaboration with our outstanding partners at the FBI, we have taken decisive action to make our communities safer and prevent potential threats to the American people,” ERO Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane said, according to the statement.
This individual was first encountered at San Ysidro Pedestrian West point of entry in California March 21, 2023, where he was charged as an inadmissible alien under the Immigration and Nationality Act because he didn’t have an immigrant visa. He was served a notice to appear before an immigration judge and paroled into the United States.
Earlier this month, Tajikistan officials declared this individual a fugitive, wanted for organization of a criminal community, the statement said, noting that it is alleged that he is or was a member of Al-Qaeda.
After his arrest, this individual was detained in ICE custody, where he will remain pending removal from the U.S.
Earlier, a 33-year-old Tajik citizen, Mansour Manouchehr, was arrested in Brooklyn on charges of supporting ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), possession of firearms, and immigration fraud.
Manouchehr, who entered the United States on a tourist visa in 2016, overstayed his visa and remained in the country illegally. He allegedly attempted to legalize his status through a sham marriage and worked as a truck driver while frequently traveling across the U.S.
An investigation reportedly revealed that Manouchehr had transferred approximately US$70,000 to individuals with known links to ISIS in Turkiye and Syria, including a Tajik national arrested for a 2024 church bombing in Istanbul. Authorities also discovered extremist materials in his possession, such as speeches by ISIS leaders and videos of weapon training.
Manouchehr now faces up to 45 years in prison. The case is being heard by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
