Afghan human rights defender detained
Oct 14, 2025·Location: New York, NY
Country of origin: Afghanistan

Ali Faqirzada, 31, fled Afghanistan in 2021 and has been waiting for his asylum case to be decided since 2022. On October 14, ICE detained Ali after an Asylum Officer found he had a viable claim for asylum. Ali fled Afghanistan after he and his family received death threats from Taliban members. Every member of Ali's family, including his parents and siblings, have been granted asylum. Ali was the last family member waiting for a decision on his immigration case. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) terminated the application and instead placed Ali in expedited removal proceedings. Ali passed an initial screening by an Asylum Officer. ICE subsequently arrested and jailed him. ICE has the authority to immediately release Ali to continue his immigration case.
Sources
- Free Ali
- Human rights defender Ahmad Fahim Azimi sentenced to one year imprisonment by the Taliban court, in Kabul
- amnesty.org
- Arrest of leading education activist leaves Afghans confused and worried
thenewhumanitarian.org·Apr 12, 2023·archived copy
- Afghan Teacher, Imprisoned Tajik Lawyer Win Prestigious Rights Award
rferl.org·Nov 19, 2024·archived copy
- Taliban arrest Afghan activist who campaigned for education of girls
the-independent.com·Mar 3, 2025·archived copy
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