Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary | https://www.dhs.gov
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a statement regarding the case of Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry, a Pakistani national arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 21, 2025. According to DHS, Chaudhry entered the United States in 1998 on a B-2 visitor visa after allegedly concealing his criminal history in Australia, which included convictions for financial deception, possession of stolen goods, and passport falsification.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell commented on the situation:
"Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry served our country and was taking the lawful steps toward citizenship. Detaining him in that process is unjust and undermines faith in the system. This administration's immigration enforcement is targeting our neighbors, friends, and even veterans rather than focusing on real public safety threats. I stand with those calling for his release and for an immigration system that honors dignity, service, and fairness. My team remains in close contact with our Congressional delegation and will continue to advocate for Mr. Chaudhry and his family on behalf of the Seattle community."
DHS asserts that Chaudhry lied about his criminal background when applying for permanent residency in the U.S., resulting in multiple denials of citizenship since 2008. The department also states that he falsely claimed military deployment to Iraq; Department of Defense records reportedly show no such deployment.
An Inspector General’s report from September 13, 2021 indicated that Chaudhry received $449,459.82 from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran’s Benefits Administration (VBA). He currently owes $81,080 to the U.S. government related to a mortgage reduction grant from VBA but has not made any payments.
After authorities determined he misrepresented information on immigration forms, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued him a Notice to Appear in 2008. He appealed his removal order several times over 17 years before being apprehended at a USCIS appointment in Tukwila, Washington.
A DHS spokesperson said: “Sanctuary politician Bruce Harrell and the media are peddling a FALSE sob story on this serial fraudster. Following lies about his military service, he owes the U.S. taxpayers more than $81,000.President Trump and Secretary Noem’s message is clear: criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States,” adding “Why do sanctuary politicians and the media continue to peddle sob stories of criminal illegals and smear our brave ICE law enforcement officers? Make no mistake, these types of lies are contributing to our ICE law enforcement officers facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them.”
Federal court decisions have repeatedly cited what they describe as patterns of deceit by Chaudhry during legal proceedings related to naturalization applications and benefits claims.
Chaudhry was arrested by ICE following determination that he had violated federal immigration law with an outstanding final order of removal by an immigration judge.
President Trump and Secretary Noem have reiterated their stance against allowing individuals with criminal backgrounds who are present illegally to remain in the country.
