Afghan Interpreter Detained by ICE Despite Serving US Military

As of August 2, 2025, an Afghan interpreter named Zia, who served the US military from 2006 to 2007, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without a clear explanation. Zia arrived in the US in October 2024 on a two-year humanitarian parole, but was recently issued an expedited removal order, which allows ICE to deport individuals without a hearing before a judge.

Zia's lawyer, Lauren Peterson, has not been informed of the reasons behind the national security risk allegations against her client. Congressman Keating considers Zia's arrest an attempt by the federal government to meet deportation quotas, rather than a legitimate security concern. A sergeant who supervised Zia previously stated that he "presents no danger" to the US and would trust him in his own home.

In response to Zia's detention, the advocacy group AfghanEvac, founded by veteran Shawn VanDiver, has made Zia's case a priority among over 100 instances of Afghan allies being arrested by ICE. The group is training volunteers to support Afghan immigrants in court, including wearing veteran gear to show their support. They aim to demonstrate to Afghan allies that American veterans have their backs.