CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN LEADS COMMUNITY SPEAK-OUT CONTINUING PUSH FOR RELEASE OF DETAINED AFGHAN REFUGEE ALI FAQIRZADA

Congressman Pat Ryan Leads Community Speak-Out Continuing Push for Release of Detained Afghan Refugee Ali Faqirzada

On October 14th, Ulster County resident Ali Faqirzada - an Afghan refugee seeking asylum after working with America against the Taliban - was detained by ICE at the courthouse following an asylum hearing

Since then, there has been an outpouring of community support for Ali with elected officials, community leaders, and local advocates all pushing for his release so that he may continue in the lawful asylum process

Even the conservative New York Post Editorial Board argued "Do the right thing, the American thing: Let Ali pursue his case, rather than sending him back home to be killed."

STONE RIDGE, NY - Today, Congressman Pat Ryan led a speak-out continuing the community-wide push for the release of detained asylum seeker Ali Faqirzada.

Faqirzada, an Afghan refugee who is seeking asylum after helping America fight the Taliban, was arrested by ICE on October 14th following a hearing that established he had "credible fear" of returning to Afghanistan.

Since his arrest there has been an outpouring of community support for Ali, with people across the Hudson Valley advocating for his release so that he may continue his lawful pursuit of asylum. Among supporters who joined Congressman Ryan today were Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, Reverend Marcella Gillis of Christ the King Church, Malia DuMont of Bard College, and Gary Jacobson from Afghan Circle.

"Anyone who risked their life for our country deserves our respect, support, and a shot at the American dream. It's exactly what the asylum process is for, and the fact that Ali - who risked so much to help our country fight the Taliban - is sitting in jail is deeply unjust and fundamentally un-American," said Congressman Pat Ryan. "Since Ali's detention, my office has received a flood of community support speaking to his character, kindness, and impact on their lives. He has followed all guidance from our government, dutifully attends his hearings, and has been legally following the asylum process. Not to mention that, according to an American judge, a return to Afghanistan could very well be a death sentence for him. I am joining our community in rallying in force for Ali's release and will keep fighting for him to receive all rights afforded to him by our Constitution."

"As Ulster County Sheriff it is my job to keep our community safe," said Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa."Ensuring that every member of our community has their constitutional rights and access to lawful due process is essential. Additionally, as a veteran, I know how important it is to help the brave heroes who have helped the American military. I am joining our entire Ulster County community in urging ICE's release of Mr. Faqirzada so that he may continue his lawful pursuit of asylum and the American dream for himself and his family."

"Ali Sajad Faqirzada has now spent a month in detention, despite posing no threat and having followed every legal step in his quest for asylum. This young man and his family stood with the U.S. in Afghanistan, and left their country in fear for their lives," said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger."Ulster County is proud to be a welcoming place for those seeking safety and a new beginning, and Ali and his family have been cherished members of our community for more than three years. Ali is a man of integrity, with a strong work ethic and deep commitment to both his loved ones and our broader community. He was determined by immigration officials to have a credible fear of persecution, warranting an asylum hearing. He presents no flight risk. He presents no risk at all. We urge his immediate release and return home as he awaits his hearing. I thank Congressman Ryan for his efforts to secure Ali's release and return home, where he belongs."

"As devoted friends of Ali and the Faqirzada family, we seek to ensure that justice remains a foundation of our country by seeking the release of Ali Faqirzada so that he can pursue a constructive and productive life while awaiting to present his asylum claim," said Gary Jacobson, Afghan Circle."In Afghanistan, Ali stood by the US when it mattered most. Now it's our turn to stand up for him."

"We have been working hard to bring public attention and political backing to Ali's case," said Malia DuMont, Bard College."Everyone at Bard is eager to welcome him back to his classes, where he has been an outstanding student. We are deeply gratified by the outpouring of support he is receiving from such a broad coalition of community members and organizations."

"From early 2022 until ICE abruptly redetained him, the experience of Ali and his family showed what is possible when communities come together to welcome people seeking asylum and when ICE looks at their situations case-by-case," said Eleanor Acer, Senior Director for Global Humanitarian Protection at Human Rights First."All the other members of his family have now been granted asylum and Ali is seeking protection based on the same circumstances. Ali should be released so that he can pursue his asylum claim in conditions of dignity, while continuing to rebuild his life and career that the Taliban takeover interrupted. Asylum saves lives and protects people from return to persecution."

"As the Rector of Christ the King and a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of New York, I am joined by clergy and congregations from across the Diocese in calling for the immediate release of Ali Faqirzada," said Rev. Marcella Gillis, Rector, Christ the King Church. "Our parish community in Stone Ridge has been in close relationship with the Faqirzada family since 2021. Through this time, we have had the privilege of forming a close relationship with Ali, who we have come to know as a generous, respectful, and kind man. Ali is a much beloved and highly valued member of our extended community, and his detention is both unnecessary and unjust. The emotional, financial, and spiritual stress that this situation is causing Ali, his family, and his community of friends and neighbors cannot be understated. We stand with Ali and with all members of our wider community who are unjustly detained. As Episcopalians, we are committed to supporting our neighbors and affirming the dignity, trust, and safety of all people seeking refuge. We will continue to use our resources in alignment with our Christian values to provide care and sanctuary to all in our midst who are marginalized, oppressed, or suffering."

Congressman Ryan has been in close communication with Ali's family throughout the duration of his detention. He has also been working with Ali's legal team, and partner organizations including Human Rights First, Afghan Circle, local religious organizations and more.

When Ali was first detained, Congressman Ryan sent a letter to Newark ICE Field Office Director John Tsoukaris advocating for his release. The text of the letter can be found below:

Dear Director Tsoukaris,

I write to demonstrate my support for Mr. Ali Sajad Faqirzada, the Respondent who is detained at Delaney Hall Detention Facility with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and my constituent in New York's 18th Congressional District. Specifically, I request that you consider granting Mr. Faqirzada's request so that he may participate in the legal process outside of ICE detention and within New York State. I do not ask for any circumvention of the laws, but that all considerations be made regarding this request.

Since his detention on October 14, my office has received an outpouring of support for Mr. Faqirzada from community members that speak highly of his character, kindness, and impact in their lives. His community has expressed concerns that continued detention will create great hardship to his family. It is my understanding that Mr. Faqirzada has no criminal record and arrived in the United States after fleeing the Taliban.

Based on the above, I strongly support Mr. Faqirzada's request to pursue the lawful process regarding his immigration case outside of ICE Detention and within New York State.

I thank you for your consideration of Mr. Faqirzada's request. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call my office at 845-443-2930.

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