News Summary
A federal judge has ordered the release of Sayed Naser Noori, a former interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, citing serious due process violations. Noori, who faced expedited removal after his asylum case dismissal, was detained for 106 days. Judge Gonzalo Curiel highlighted the lack of notification regarding the revocation of Noori’s humanitarian parole. Amidst broader implications for Afghan allies, Noori’s release represents a crucial step towards justice and due process in U.S. immigration proceedings.
San Diego – A federal judge has ordered the release of Sayed Naser Noori, a former Afghan interpreter for the U.S. military, citing significant violations of his due process rights. Noori was detained by immigration officials earlier this year, leading to a legal battle that highlights the challenges faced by Afghan allies who assisted U.S. forces during military operations in Afghanistan.
Noori was arrested in June while attending his first immigration court hearing since arriving in the United States in 2022. During this hearing, his asylum case was dismissed by government attorneys, who argued that the notice for him to appear in court had been “improvidently issued.” Consequently, Noori was placed in expedited removal proceedings, which would have expedited his deportation.
U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, in a recent ruling, found that Noori’s humanitarian parole had been revoked without prior notification, a valid explanation for the revocation, or the opportunity for him to defend himself. This lack of due process led the judge to determine that Noori’s rights had been violated. Curiel stated that revoking this type of parole necessitates written notice of termination, which was not provided to Noori.
After spending 106 days in detention, Noori was ordered to be released, a decision that was met with relief on his part. Upon his release, he reunited with family, friends, and supporters. The case has drawn attention to the broader implications for Afghan interpreters and others who face danger in their home country due to their association with U.S. military efforts.
Noori’s asylum application indicates a grim background; his brother was killed by the Taliban at a family wedding. The documents reveal that Noori’s family had contracted with the United States, leading him to fear retaliation in Afghanistan for his assistance to U.S. forces. He entered the U.S. through a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One appointment at San Ysidro, a vital entry point for many seeking asylum in the country.
Advocacy groups, such as AfghanEvac, have been vocal about the unjust nature of Noori’s detention. The organization’s president emphasized that his continued immigration case remains a significant challenge but highlighted that Noori’s release marks an important step towards justice for Afghan allies. The judge’s ruling also stipulated that Noori cannot be detained again without further court order, which adds an additional layer of protection for him moving forward.
This case underscores the broader issues surrounding the treatment of Afghan allies seeking asylum in the United States amidst ongoing challenges within the immigration system. It highlights the need for protocols that respect the rights of those who have risked their lives to support U.S. missions abroad.
A news conference for Noori is tentatively scheduled for Thursday in San Diego, where advocates are expected to discuss his case and the significance of his release. As public attention continues to focus on the plight of Afghan allies, this ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and advocacy for individuals in similar situations.
The events surrounding Noori’s case have reignited discussions about the responsibilities of the United States towards those who supported military efforts abroad. Many believe that affirming the rights of such individuals is crucial in demonstrating the values that the nation stands for. Despite the challenges ahead, Noori’s victory in the courtroom is seen as a beacon of hope for many Afghan allies still navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Judge Orders Release of Afghan Interpreter
Detention of Afghan Translator Sparks Outrage in San Diego
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Google Search: Afghan interpreter ICE detention
- Patch
- Google Scholar: Afghan interpreter asylum case
- Times of San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Afghan interpreters
- CBS 8
- Google News: Afghan interpreter released
- NBC San Diego Video
- Fox 5 San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
