HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Fouad A.: Eritrean imam dies after 215 days in ICE detention

Fouad Saeed Abdulkadir, a 46-year-old green card holder and respected imam from Eritrea, died in Pennsylvania ICE custody after more than seven months, despite seeking release through the courts.

Feb 4, 2026Kreamer, PACountry of origin: Eritrea

Fouad A.: Eritrean imam dies after 215 days in ICE detention
Photo via Instagram

Fouad Saeed Abdulkadir, a 46-year-old green card holder and Eritrean imam described as a respected leader in the Muslim community, died on December 14, 2025, after roughly 215 days in ICE custody at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. Before his death, he filed a habeas corpus petition seeking release and later sought a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, both of which the court denied; his habeas case was dismissed as moot after he died. The Council on American Islamic Relations said his death was tied to problems with medical care, transparency, and conditions in immigration detention, and CAIR Northern Ohio and CAIR Philadelphia issued statements of condolence while reaffirming their commitment to advocating for humane treatment of detained immigrants. His death was later cited among cases of at least 65 religious leaders detained by immigration authorities since January 2025.

Timeline

Feb 4, 2026—Human rights report cited his death among cases of religious leaders detained by immigration authorities
Dec 14, 2025—Died in ICE custody at Moshannon Valley Processing Center after about 215 days in detention
Suggest a correction, comment, or update

Tags

Sources

Show 5 more sources ↓
Similar Incidents

Loading…

More incidents in Pennsylvania