Jelili Q.: Nigerian imam with 17 years of check-ins detained by ICE in Chicago
Jelili Qudus, a Nigerian imam who leads weekly prayers and feeds people in need, was re-detained after 17 years of check-ins, then freed by a judge who found his rights violated.
Jan 20, 2026Chicago, ILCountry of origin: Nigeria

Jelili Qudus, a Nigerian described in court filings as a Muslim faith leader who conducts weekly prayers, visits the sick, and distributes food to people in need, was re-detained when he appeared for his annual ICE check-in in Chicago after approximately 17 years of complying with an Order of Supervision. He was subsequently held at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas. A federal judge later granted his habeas petition and ordered his immediate release under supervision, finding that immigration authorities violated his due process rights by re-detaining him without providing required notice or an opportunity to respond.
Tags
Sources
- Exclusive: ICE detains dozens of faith leaders under Trump’s crackdown
Newsweek·Oct 11, 2026·archived copy
- CourtListener
- Habeas Dockets4 links
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