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Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has called on the Newark ICE field office to release Ali Sajad Faqirzada, a New Paltz resident and computer science student at Bard College, who is currently detained despite being granted a Credible Fear determination. Faqirzada and his family fled Afghanistan over three years ago and have settled in New Paltz. Besides his studies, he works part-time at a local hospital.
Metzger, along with Congressman Pat Ryan and the hospital where Faqirzada is employed, is advocating for his release while his immigration case is pending. "It is devastating to the family," Metzger said, emphasizing the lack of necessity for his detention.
Faqirzada was detained by ICE officers following a political asylum hearing on Long Island on Tuesday (October 14). His family fears for his safety if deported back to Afghanistan, where he faces threats due to his previous employment with the Afghan government and his family's association with a Christian church in New York.
Faqirzada has no criminal record and has been contributing to the community as a student and taxpayer. His sister, Sayeda, expressed concerns about his mental health following the detention, describing it as traumatizing. The family has received support from the Christ the King Episcopal Church and local community members, who have rallied around them since their arrival in the area.
The case has drawn attention from local officials, with efforts to secure Faqirzada's release continuing. ICE has yet to provide a detailed explanation for his detention or any charges against him.