Kashmir-born filmmaker held in U.S. likely to be freed soon, says family
Sheikh Arfat won many awards after multiple screenings of his movie Saffron Kingdom in several parts of the United States and Europe
Kashmir-born filmmaker Sheikh Arfat, aged 42, is set to be released soon after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reports his family. The family member stated, "The family is pursuing the case and cooperating with the authorities. We expect him to be free soon." The detention occurred on September 24, 2026, at Dulles Airport, Virginia.
Free Arfat Sheikh, an online advocacy group, confirmed that Arfat was unlawfully detained upon landing and held at the Caroline Detention Centre in Bowling Green, Virginia, for 11 days. Arfat, a graduate film student, has won numerous accolades, including the Best Feature Film at multiple international festivals, for his work which delves into themes of identity, resilience, and justice.
He entered the U.S. legally with a student visa and holds an authorized immigration status to live and work in the country. Currently residing in Alexandria, Virginia, Arfat's film has garnered awards such as Best Feature Film at the Chicago Filmmakers Awards, LA Film and Documentary Awards, and Melbourne Independent Film Festival, among others.
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