In brief
Mohammad Rahim Wahidi, the former Taliban ambassador to Spain, was detained at Dulles Airport under suspicions of being a national security risk, raising eyebrows on how immigration laws are applied to activists.
Mohammad Rahim Wahidi, the former Taliban ambassador to Spain, was detained upon his return to the U.S. at Washington Dulles International Airport, igniting controversy surrounding immigration enforcement. After being held for over 30 hours, his case has drawn attention as a potential misuse of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a law allowing deportation of individuals deemed a national security threat.Wahidi's lawyer, Hassan Ahmad, argues that the detention seems a continuation of a pattern where the Trump administration targets specific individuals, particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian protests, under the guise of national security. This has raised concerns about the selective enforcement of laws against activists, including students involved in protests.Wahidi is a lawful permanent U.S. resident, married to a U.S. citizen, Mary Shakeri-Wahidi. While his brother-in-law is reportedly wanted for a plot against an Iranian journalist, Wahidi himself has faced no criminal charges in the U.S. His previous title in Spain was revoked due to sexual assault allegations that never led to formal charges.As of Monday, a federal judge declined to release him, but initially barred the government from moving him to a distant detention center. The judge ordered compliance with short-term detention standards, ensuring Wahidi's right to legal representation during this contentious case.
