Afghan War Vet Detained by ICE | NBC 7 San Diego
- A man claiming to have served as an interpreter for the U.S.
- Brian McGoldrick, the man's attorney, said his client arrived in the U.S.
- McGoldrick fears his client faces grave danger if deported.
ICE Detains Afghan Interpreter at Courthouse, Raising Ally Concerns
A man claiming to have served as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a federal courthouse, according to video shared with news outlets. The detention raises questions about the U.S. role in protecting those who assisted American forces during wartime and the role of due process.
Brian McGoldrick, the man’s attorney, said his client arrived in the U.S. seeking asylum after being unable to leave afghanistan during the U.S. withdrawal. He entered through the San Ysidro Port of Entry using the CBP One app, was granted parole, and was in the process of applying for a Special Immigrant Visa. McGoldrick requested his client’s name be withheld.
McGoldrick fears his client faces grave danger if deported. “While he was in Afghanistan, he was threatened repeatedly. His family was threatened repeatedly,” McGoldrick said. “He believes that if he returns,he’ll be detained,probably tortured and possibly even killed.” The attorney argues that ICE is attempting to expedite his client’s removal, preventing his asylum case from being heard. The role of interpreters is vital to military operations.
James Seddon, a 21-year Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan and now works with #AfghanEvac, expressed deep concern over the incident. He worries about the message it sends to potential allies in future conflicts and the role of the U.S. in upholding its values.
“I don’t know,based on how we’re currently treating our wartime allies,how anybody in the future would consider working with us,” Seddon said. “We’re suppose to have due process.We’re supposed to give people their day in court.And what we saw on that clip was an example that runs counter to all of that. And it’s difficult for me to reconcile that with the America that I thought I served.”
As of Friday afternoon, McGoldrick said his client remained in custody. The video captures the man stating he came to the U.S. seeking a better life after working in a hazardous area of Afghanistan.
“He just came here trying to to get asylum for what he did for our country, and this is how we’re treating him,” McGoldrick said.
What’s next
The case remains ongoing, with the man’s attorney fighting to prevent his deportation and ensure his asylum claim is heard. The situation highlights the challenges faced by Afghan allies seeking refuge in the U.S. and the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement policies.