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Nigerian imam re-detained at ICE check-in in Chicago, later released by judge

Jan 20, 2026·Location: Chicago, IL

Country of origin: Nigeria

Nigerian imam re-detained at ICE check-in in Chicago, later released by judge
Photo via Newsweek

Jelili Qudus, a Nigerian described in court filings as a Muslim faith leader who conducts weekly prayers, visits the sick, and distributes food to people in need, was re-detained when he appeared for his annual ICE check-in in Chicago after approximately 17 years of complying with an Order of Supervision. He was subsequently held at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas. A federal judge later granted his habeas petition and ordered his immediate release under supervision, finding that immigration authorities violated his due process rights by re-detaining him without providing required notice or an opportunity to respond.

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