Former Afghan Interpreter Faces Deportation After ICE Arrest in San Diego

Key Takeaways

• Sayed Naser, former Afghan interpreter, was detained by ICE in San Diego on June 12, 2025.
• ICE applied expedited removal despite his pending asylum and Special Immigrant Visa applications.
• Naser faces deportation risks despite his service to U.S. troops and family threats from the Taliban.

Sayed Naser, a former Afghan interpreter for U.S. troops, is now at the center of a high-profile immigration case after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in San Diego. His arrest and the threat of deportation have sparked concern among advocates, legal experts, and the Afghan community. The case highlights the challenges faced by Afghan allies who supported U.S. military operations and now seek safety in the United States 🇺🇸.

Who Is Sayed Naser and Why Was He Detained?

On June 12, 2025, Sayed Naser was detained by ICE agents at a federal courthouse in San Diego during what was supposed to be a routine immigration hearing. Video footage from the courthouse shows ICE officers, their faces covered with neck gaiters, handcuffing Naser and escorting him out of the courtroom. This sudden action surprised many, including his legal team and supporters.

Naser’s detention did not happen because of any criminal activity. In fact, he has no criminal record in either Afghanistan or the United States 🇺🇸. Instead, ICE placed him into expedited removal proceedings—a fast-track deportation process that usually limits the chance for a full immigration hearing. As of June 28, 2025, Naser remains in custody at the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego, facing the real possibility of being deported at any moment.

Sayed Naser’s Background: Service and Sacrifice

Sayed Naser is an Afghan national who worked as a translator and logistics contractor for U.S. military forces at bases in Afghanistan. His job was dangerous, putting him and his family at risk from the Taliban, who view those who help U.S. troops as enemies. Naser’s family has already suffered greatly—his brother was killed by the Taliban during a wedding in September 2023. After this tragedy, Naser and his family went into hiding in Iran to escape further violence.

In July 2024, Naser legally entered the United States 🇺🇸. He first obtained a humanitarian visa to Brazil, then traveled through Mexico, and finally arrived at the U.S. border. There, he was granted humanitarian parole—a temporary status that allows people to enter the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons. Once in the country, Naser began the process of applying for asylum and a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). The SIV program is meant to protect foreign nationals who worked with U.S. military forces in war zones like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, offering them a path to permanent residency.

What Is Expedited Removal and Why Is It Controversial?

Expedited removal is a process that allows ICE to deport certain individuals quickly, without a full hearing before an immigration judge. It is often used when someone is found at the border or in specific cases where the person is considered inadmissible. In Naser’s case, ICE used this process even though he had a pending asylum case and an active SIV application.

This decision has drawn criticism from legal experts and advocates. Many argue that expedited removal is supposed to be used for clear-cut cases, not for people like Naser who have legal protections pending. By placing him in expedited removal, ICE has limited his ability to present his case fully and challenge his deportation.

ICE has not publicly explained why they chose this route for Naser. The lack of transparency has only increased concerns about how the agency is handling cases involving Afghan allies.

Legal and Humanitarian Concerns

Naser’s lawyer, Brian McGoldrick, has spoken out against the detention. He says that Naser expected better treatment after his service to U.S. forces and that ICE is trying to “short circuit the whole process” of his asylum and SIV applications. McGoldrick and others believe that detaining Naser while his legal cases are still open is unfair and goes against the spirit of U.S. promises to protect Afghan allies.

AfghanEvac, a nonprofit group that helps Afghan allies relocate safely, has also issued a statement. They highlight Naser’s service and the dangers he faces if sent back to Afghanistan. The group warns that deporting Naser could put his life at risk, given the Taliban’s history of targeting those who helped U.S. troops.

Despite repeated questions from the media, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have not made any official statements about Naser’s case.

The Step-by-Step Immigration Process for Afghan Allies

Naser’s situation is not unique. Many Afghan allies follow a similar path when seeking safety in the United States 🇺🇸. Here’s a general outline of the process:

1. Entry and Parole: Individuals may enter the U.S. legally under humanitarian parole or other visas. Humanitarian parole is a temporary status for urgent cases.
2. Application for Asylum and SIV: After arriving, they apply for asylum (protection from persecution) and/or a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) based on their service and risk of harm.
3. Immigration Hearings: Applicants attend scheduled immigration court hearings to present their case and pursue legal status.
4. Detention and Removal: ICE may detain individuals during hearings or at other times. Expedited removal can be started if ICE decides the person is inadmissible or ineligible.
5. Legal Representation: Individuals can hire lawyers or seek help from legal aid groups to challenge detention and removal orders.
6. Appeals and Motions: There are legal options to appeal expedited removal or ask for a stay (pause) of removal while the case is reviewed.

For those applying for a Special Immigrant Visa, the official form is the DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. You can find the form and instructions on the U.S. Department of State website.

Policy Implications: What Does This Mean for Afghan Allies?

The detention and possible deportation of Sayed Naser raise important questions about how the United States 🇺🇸 treats its Afghan allies. The SIV program was created to protect people like Naser, who risked their lives to help U.S. troops. However, his case shows that even those with pending legal protections can face sudden detention and removal.

Key concerns include:

• Gaps in Policy: The use of expedited removal against someone with a pending asylum and SIV application suggests there may be gaps or inconsistencies in how immigration laws are enforced.
• Risk to Life: If Naser is deported, he faces a real threat from the Taliban, as shown by his family’s history and his own need to hide in Iran.
• Impact on Future Cooperation: Cases like this may discourage other Afghan allies from seeking refuge or working with U.S. forces if they fear they could be abandoned or deported.
• Due Process: Legal experts warn that using expedited removal in these situations can violate the right to a fair hearing, especially for those with strong claims for protection.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these issues have led to calls for clearer guidelines and better oversight to prevent wrongful detention and deportation of vulnerable allies.

Expert Opinions and Calls for Change

Immigration law experts say that expedited removal should only be used in straightforward cases, not for people with pending asylum or SIV claims. They argue that denying a full hearing to someone like Naser could violate basic principles of fairness and due process.

Advocates for Afghan allies believe that the United States 🇺🇸 has a moral and legal duty to protect those who served alongside its troops. Detaining and deporting these individuals during ongoing legal processes, they say, undermines the country’s commitments and could have long-term consequences for national security and international trust.

Some officials and legal analysts are urging Congress and the administration to review and strengthen protections for interpreters and contractors who served U.S. forces. They suggest that clearer rules and more oversight are needed to prevent similar cases in the future.

Historical Background: The SIV Program and Its Challenges

The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program was set up to help foreign nationals who assisted U.S. military operations in conflict zones. The idea was to recognize their service and offer them a safe path to permanent residency in the United States 🇺🇸.

However, the program has faced many problems:

• Bureaucratic Delays: Many applicants have waited years for their cases to be processed, often while hiding from threats in their home countries.
• Legal Hurdles: The application process is complex, requiring proof of service, letters of recommendation, and background checks.
• Enforcement Actions: Even with pending applications, some Afghan allies have been detained or deported, especially after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

Sayed Naser’s case is just one example of the ongoing difficulties faced by those who risked everything to help U.S. forces.

What Happens Next? The Future for Sayed Naser and Others

Legal efforts are likely underway to challenge Naser’s expedited removal and secure his release or continued legal status. His lawyer and advocacy groups are working to draw attention to his case and push for a fair review.

Public pressure and support from advocacy groups like AfghanEvac may influence ICE or DHS to reconsider their approach to cases involving Afghan allies. There is also the possibility that Congress or the administration could introduce new policies to strengthen protections for interpreters and contractors who served U.S. forces.

The outcome of Naser’s case will be closely watched by many, as it could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. It will also provide insight into whether the United States 🇺🇸 is living up to its promises to those who risked their lives in support of its missions abroad.

Practical Guidance for Afghan Allies and Supporters

If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, here are some practical steps to consider:

• Seek Legal Help: Contact a qualified immigration lawyer or a legal aid organization that specializes in asylum and SIV cases.
• Know Your Rights: Understand the immigration process, including the risks of expedited removal and the importance of attending all hearings.
• Gather Documentation: Keep records of your service, threats you have faced, and any communications with U.S. officials.
• Reach Out to Advocacy Groups: Organizations like AfghanEvac can provide support, resources, and help raise awareness about your case.
• Monitor Official Updates: Stay informed about changes in immigration policy and enforcement by checking the ICE official website.

Official Resources

• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Information on detention and removal.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Details on asylum and SIV programs.
• AfghanEvac: Advocacy and support for Afghan allies.
• DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application: Official SIV application form.

Conclusion: The Stakes for Sayed Naser and U.S. Policy

The case of Sayed Naser, detained by ICE in San Diego, is more than just one man’s struggle. It is a test of the United States 🇺🇸’s commitment to those who risked their lives in support of its military missions. As his case unfolds, it will shape how Afghan allies view the promises made to them and may influence future immigration policies and enforcement practices.

For now, Naser’s fate remains uncertain. His supporters continue to fight for his right to a fair hearing and protection under the law. The outcome will have lasting effects—not only for him and his family but for all those who have stood with the United States 🇺🇸 in times of conflict.

Learn Today

Expedited Removal → A fast deportation process that limits full immigration hearings for certain inadmissible individuals.
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) → A visa program protecting foreign nationals who worked with U.S. military forces in war zones.
Humanitarian Parole → Temporary U.S. entry permission granted for urgent humanitarian reasons without formal visa approval.
Asylum → Protection granted to individuals fleeing persecution, allowing them to stay legally in the U.S.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → U.S. agency responsible for immigration enforcement, detention, and deportation operations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Sayed Naser, an Afghan interpreter aiding U.S. troops, faces detention and expedited deportation by ICE despite legal protections. His case highlights gaps in U.S. policy and risks for Afghan allies seeking asylum. Advocates demand fair hearings and stronger safeguards for those who supported American military missions abroad.
— By VisaVerge.com