The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Dallas has deported a Pakistani national, identified as a national security priority, back to his home country on February 25.
According to an official statement, Syed Rizvi, 56, was ordered to be removed from the United States after being flagged by US intelligence sources as a national security risk. His deportation was carried out under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Josh Johnson, acting director of Enforcement and Removals Operations (ERO) Dallas Field Office, emphasized that "illegal aliens suspected or known to have ties to organi[s]ations that threaten public safety will not find refuge in the US".
"Our most important priority is to arrest and remove those who pose an imminent danger to the citizens of the US."
Prior to his removal, Rizvi was residing in Dallas, Texas, without authorization. He was initially taken into custody by the ERO Dallas on January 31 after being stopped during a routine traffic check. His deportation order had been issued by an immigration judge on January 24.
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Records indicate that Rizvi legally entered the United States on September 20, 2017, through the New York port of entry but later "violated the terms of his admission", leading to his removal.
Since Donald Trump took office, the US government has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigrants, resulting in the deportation of hundreds of individuals to their respective countries. Last month, the US deported 119 foreign nationals to Panama, including Pakistanis.
President Donald Trump was set to impose a new travel ban that could prevent citizens from Afghanistan and Pakistan from entering the country.
According to three sources familiar with the matter, this new restriction would take effect as soon as next week. The decision, based on an ongoing government review of security and vetting risks, could also extend to other nations, although the sources were unable to specify which.
