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Iraqi man with early dementia detained in front yard after 30 years in U.S.

Sep 18, 2026

Country of origin: Iraq

Iraqi man with early dementia detained in front yard after 30 years in U.S.
Photo via phoenixnewtimes.com

An Iraqi man showing early signs of dementia was arrested by ICE agents in his front yard after living in the United States for more than 30 years. An immigration judge had ruled he would likely face torture if returned to Iraq, but he was nonetheless held in an Arizona detention facility while officials searched for another country willing to accept him. He was among more than 120 immigrants identified in Arizona who remained detained despite winning protection from removal to their home countries.

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