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Afghan interpreter detained at immigration office despite legal status, released on bond after three months

Oct 21, 2025·Location: East Hartford, CT

Country of origin: Afghanistan

Afghan interpreter detained at immigration office despite legal status, released on bond after three months
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Zia S., a 36-year-old Afghan immigrant who served as a U.S. military interpreter, was detained by ICE on July 16, 2025, during a routine USCIS appointment in East Hartford, Connecticut, for biometric processing related to a Green Card application. Despite having lawful parole status until October 2026, no criminal convictions, and approval for humanitarian parole due to Taliban threats, he was moved to a detention facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts. A federal judge issued a 72-hour stay to prevent his deportation, and after nearly three months in custody, a second immigration judge ordered his release on a $15,000 bond on October 9, 2025. The government's subsequent motion to reverse the release was rejected on October 21, 2025. Zia was reunited with his wife and five children in Connecticut. His son Rihan was also detained by ICE in Plymouth during this period.

Timeline

Oct 21, 2025—Federal judge rejected government's motion to reverse Zia's release; Zia reunited with wife and five children in Connecticut
Oct 9, 2025—Federal judge ordered Zia's release on $15,000 bond, rejecting government's national security risk claims
Jul 22, 2025—U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and advocates called for Zia's release, disputing DHS claims of serious criminal allegations
Jul 16, 2025—Zia detained by ICE at USCIS office in East Hartford during routine biometric appointment for Green Card application; moved to detention facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts
Jul 16, 2025—Federal judge in Massachusetts issued 72-hour stay preventing deportation
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