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Philadelphia man with 20-year legal status arrested by ICE, granted asylum, wins bond hearing

Jul 30, 2026 · Philadelphia, PA, Guinea

Philadelphia man with 20-year legal status arrested by ICE, granted asylum, wins bond hearing

Fadel Cherif, 56, a Philadelphia resident with 20 years of legal status in the United States under Withholding of Removal protection, was arrested by ICE and detained at Moshannon Valley Processing Center in central Pennsylvania. An immigration judge granted Cherif's petition for asylum on December 18, 2025, though the Department of Homeland Security has appealed that decision. On January 29, 2026, a federal judge granted Cherif's habeas corpus petition, ordering that he receive an individualized bond hearing before an immigration judge by February 9, 2026, or be released from custody. Cherif was represented by attorney Rafael Urena in his legal challenge to his detention. His eldest son Ahmad, 22, expressed concern about the impact on his younger brothers, ages 13 and 15, saying his father's presence is important to them.

Timeline

Jul 30, 2026Cherif remains in custody at Moshannon Valley Processing Center; family continues to be affected by his detention
Jan 29, 2026Federal judge granted habeas corpus petition, ordering individualized bond hearing by February 9, 2026, or release from custody
Dec 18, 2025Immigration judge granted Cherif's petition for asylum; DHS appealed the decision

Sources

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