HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Disabled Army veteran released after 124 days in ICE detention in Tacoma

Mar 15, 2026 · Tacoma, WA, Pakistan

Disabled Army veteran released after 124 days in ICE detention in Tacoma

Zahid Chaudhry, a disabled U.S. Army veteran and lawful permanent resident from Pakistan, was detained by ICE at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma in August 2025 after being arrested during a citizenship interview at a USCIS office. ICE cited undisclosed criminal charges from Australia in the early 1990s involving financial deception and passport-related offenses. After 124 days in custody, a federal judge ruled the detention was wrongful, finding that the government failed to provide Chaudhry notice or opportunity to be heard before detaining him, violating his constitutional rights. A government attorney apologized during the habeas hearing. In December 2025, Judge David G. Estudillo ordered Chaudhry's release.

Timeline

Dec 23, 2025Chaudhry released from custody after 124 days in detention to return home while case moves forward
Dec 22, 2025Federal judge ordered Chaudhry's release after habeas hearing; judge ruled detention violated constitutional rights and government failed to provide notice or opportunity to be heard; government attorney apologized to court
Aug 1, 2025Zahid Chaudhry detained by ICE at Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma after arrest during citizenship interview at USCIS office; ICE cited criminal charges from Australia in early 1990s

Sources

More incidents in Washington