Afghan Man Arrested in US for Child Abuse

US authorities arrested an Afghan national over child abuse charges, saying he entered under a resettlement program and is now awaiting deportation.

The US Department of Homeland Security said an Afghan national, identified as Basir Ahmad Safi, was arrested on Monday on charges related to child abuse.

Safi entered the United States in 2021 under the “Operation Allies Welcome” program following the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan.

According to officials, he was first arrested in September 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida, facing multiple charges including indecent exposure, child enticement, and misuse of communication devices.

Authorities said Safi was ultimately convicted of child abuse and had been living in the United States without legal status after his immigration status was revoked.

He was re-arrested on March 11 in a joint operation involving Homeland Security Investigations and US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and is currently in ICE custody awaiting deportation.

Operation Allies Welcome was launched to resettle tens of thousands of Afghans evacuated after the Taliban takeover, with US officials initially praising its speed but later facing criticism over vetting gaps.

Several reports and congressional reviews have raised concerns about screening procedures during the evacuation, highlighting isolated cases involving individuals later accused of serious crimes.

The case has renewed debate in the United States over immigration screening, balancing humanitarian commitments with security concerns as authorities review policies and enforcement measures.

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