Syrian business owner detained by ICE in New Jersey released on bond

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Iemad Saifo, a 65-year-old Syrian immigrant and business owner in New Jersey, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for two weeks after attending a routine check-in in Mount Laurel on July 31. Although he had been pursuing permanent residency and his case had been administratively closed in 2023, DHS cited his 2002 visa expiration and a prior conviction for witness tampering as grounds for enforcement. Saifo was released on bond on August 15 following a campaign led by his family, attorney Fiona Powell, and over 150 community supporters who provided letters and signatures to an immigration judge.

Consequences

Saifo remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings regarding his immigration status, as he continues to await a pending interview for permanent residency. The case highlights the persistent tension between long-term residency efforts of immigrants with criminal records and federal enforcement actions by ICE.

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