U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed an arrest detainer on Sameh Mohamad Chami, a Lebanese national who is accused of aggravated kidnapping after allegedly sexually assaulting a passenger while working as an Uber driver. Chami, 49, was arrested by the Friendswood Police Department on August 6.
According to police reports, the incident involved a 21-year-old female passenger who fell asleep in the backseat of Chami’s car following a night out. She reportedly woke up in the front seat of his vehicle, which was parked near a school, with her shorts unbuttoned. The victim’s family tracked her location and arrived at the scene around 3:00 AM.
ICE lodged its detainer on the same day as Chami's arrest to ensure he would be transferred into federal custody rather than released locally.
“ICE lodged an arrest detainer against Sameh Mohamad Chami—a criminal illegal alien let into our country by Joe Biden. This depraved criminal was charged with aggravated kidnapping after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 21-year-old girl who was a passenger in his Uber car,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed our brave law enforcement to take down these sickos and to protect women from sexual predators.”
Chami entered the United States on December 2, 2021, with a B-2 tourist visa that allowed him to stay for six months. He received an extension until December 1, 2022, but did not leave when required and has remained in the U.S. without legal status for over three years.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that President Trump and Secretary Noem are focused on restoring integrity to the visa system and preventing its misuse for long-term stays.
