US Authorities Arrest Afghan National Basir Ahmad Safi on Child Abuse Charges
US authorities have arrested Afghan national Basir Ahmad Safi on child abuse charges, the US Department of Homeland Security said.
Safi entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program launched to resettle Afghans evacuated following the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan. He was first arrested in September 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida, on charges including indecent exposure, child enticement and misuse of communication devices. Officials said Safi was convicted of child abuse and his immigration status was revoked, leaving him without legal status in the country.
Safi was re-arrested on March 11 in a joint operation by Homeland Security Investigations and US Citizenship and Immigration Services. He is currently in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement awaiting deportation.
The US Department of Homeland Security provided details of the arrest. Operation Allies Welcome resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the Taliban takeover, with the program initially praised for its speed but later facing criticism over vetting procedures. Congressional reviews and reports have highlighted concerns about screening during the evacuation, citing isolated cases of individuals later accused of serious crimes.
The case has prompted renewed discussion in the United States on immigration screening processes, weighing humanitarian obligations against security measures as officials review related policies.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in International
US National Counterterrorism Center Director Resigns Over War with Iran
Missiles and Drones Target US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi Security Sources Say
UN Secretary-General Guterres Urges Action Against Rising Islamophobia
Trump Seeks to Delay Meeting with China's Xi by a Month to Focus on Iran War
ReliableUS National Counterterrorism Center Director Resigns Over War with Iran
Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned over opposition to the war with Iran, stating it poses no imminent US threat and stems from Israeli pressure. The move underscores growing criticism of the conflict amid escalating tensions.
DevelopingMissiles and Drones Target US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi Security Sources Say
Missiles and drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday, with Iraqi security sources saying two were intercepted and one struck the compound, causing smoke and fire. The attack, likely by Iran-backed groups, occurs amid rising regional tensions linked to Iran, the US and Israel.
ReliableUN Secretary-General Guterres Urges Action Against Rising Islamophobia
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community to combat rising Islamophobia on the International Day to Combat Anti-Muslim Hatred, rejecting fear narratives and calling for unity to eliminate hatred against Muslims. He highlighted increasing hate crimes amplified by online platforms and political debates, warning of threats to social cohesion.
DevelopingTrump Seeks to Delay Meeting with China's Xi by a Month to Focus on Iran War
President Donald Trump is seeking to delay his planned early April meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping by about a month to focus on the Iran war and Gulf crisis. He has requested cooperation from countries including China to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid disruptions from Iranian attacks.