US arrests alleged Saddam-era officer in Michigan

The US Department of Homeland Security has arrested a Michigan man named Raad Alanbagi, who is alleged to have served as a high-ranking intelligence officer in Saddam Hussein's regime. According to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Mr. Alanbagi was detained after an investigation revealed his ties to the former Iraqi dictator's government.

HSI stated that they continue to protect communities and national security, noting Mr. Alanbagi as a "high-ranking former officer" from Saddam's era. The exact immigration status of Mr. Alanbagi at the time of his arrest is unknown, as is how he managed to enter the US despite his alleged connections. It remains unclear what charges he may face, as there is no federal indictment listed against him on a government database for Michigan.

The National has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for further information. According to the Immigration and Nationality Act, individuals who were or are members of totalitarian parties are generally inadmissible to the US. Making false statements during the application process for visas or citizenship can lead to deportation and a lifetime ban on re-entering the country.

Notably, this is not the first time the US has taken action against individuals linked to Saddam's government. In 2020, former Colonel Saad Al Qaysy received a three-year probation sentence and had his US citizenship revoked after being convicted of providing false information to obtain it.